Dr. Anthony Fauci on Road to Recovery After West Nile Virus Hospitalization

Former NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci, now recovering from West Nile virus, gained prominence during the COVID-19 crisis. Mosquito-borne, the virus hospitalizes up to 1,000 Americans annually. Most cases go undiagnosed, with severe symptoms appearing in a minority of patients.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the U.S., is recuperating after being hospitalized for the West Nile virus, according to a CNN report. Fauci, a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now recovering at home and is expected to make a full recovery, his spokesperson confirmed.

Each year, the severe strain of the West Nile virus, transmitted through mosquito bites, leads to the hospitalization of about 1,000 Americans. Additionally, 1,500 infections are typically identified post-symptom onset, but experts believe up to 80% of cases go undiagnosed. Currently, no specific treatment or vaccine is available for the virus.

The peak period for West Nile virus activity is August and September. Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that, as of August 20, 216 cases have been recorded across 33 states in 2023, with 142 being neuroinvasive cases. While most cases result in minor ailments such as rashes and flu-like symptoms, the virus can cause severe complications including brain swelling, brain damage, and death in approximately 1 in 150 cases. Annually, the virus claims the lives of around 100 Americans.

(With inputs from agencies.)