Dr. Anthony Fauci recently landed in the hospital due to West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Cases tend to peak in August and September, following rainy seasons. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, with serious complications being rare but more common in people over age 60. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile, but common repellents like DEET and picaridin are effective in preventing mosquito bites. Other ways to protect against West Nile include dressing in protective clothing, using air conditioning, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. So far this year, 216 human cases of West Nile have been reported in 33 states. Fauci, who is 83 years old, is expected to make a full recovery. Being bitten by infected mosquitoes transmitting the West Nile virus causes the illness in people.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
