Anthony Fauci, the former top infectious disease expert of the United States, is recovering after being infected with West Nile virus, a spokesperson says. The 83-year-old was briefly hospitalized but is now at home, and is expected to make a full recovery.
The former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is understood to have contracted the disease from a mosquito bite in his backyard. Fauci told CBS News' chief medical correspondent, Jonathan LaPook, that he was likely infected from a mosquito bite he got in his backyard.
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people do not experience symptoms, about one in five can develop a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. The CDC classifies West Nile as the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the country, occurring mostly through June to November, which is mosquito season for the northern hemisphere.
There are currently no vaccines to prevent the virus, or medicines to treat it. As of August 20, the CDC — the United States' national public health agency — had recorded 216 cases in 33 states this year.
How to Prevent West Nile Virus
West Nile is not contagious but can affect anyone who sustains a bite from an infected mosquito and is best prevented by avoiding bites. The CDC recommends protective measures like using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Fauci's Role During the Pandemic
As chief White House medical adviser, Dr Fauci was the public face of the US government during the COVID-19 pandemic, a role that made him both a trusted voice to millions and also the target of partisan anger.
He left the government in 2022 but was back before Congress in June to testify as part of the Republicans' years-long investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and the American response to the disease.
Last year he joined the faculty at Georgetown University as a distinguished university professor.
Fauci's Recovering At Home
Fauci, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, is said to be recovering well from his bout with West Nile virus. He is expected to make a full recovery, according to his spokesperson. Fauci's infection is a reminder that West Nile is a serious illness that can affect anyone. It is important to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during the summer months when the virus is most active.
Fauci's infection is a stark reminder that even individuals with access to healthcare and the most up-to-date information can still be vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. It emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to control mosquito populations and raise awareness about the risks of West Nile virus and other infectious diseases.
