Dr. Fauci hospitalized with West Nile virus this summer

In August 2024, Dr. Anthony Fauci, aged 83, was hospitalized in the United States after contracting the West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness. Initially, doctors struggled to identify the cause of his severe symptoms, which included extreme fatigue, high fever, and cognitive difficulties. After five days in the hospital, he was discharged, and subsequent blood tests confirmed the West Nile virus infection. The illness can lead to serious complications, including neuroinvasive disease, which can be fatal. Dr. Fauci described his recovery as slow, with significant disorientation and bedridden status upon returning home. Over time, he regained his ability to walk and reported that his cognitive issues had resolved. Dr. Fauci emphasized the need for increased funding and research into West Nile virus, which he labeled an 'emerging public health threat.' Despite being the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. since its detection in 1999, the virus lacks a vaccine or specific treatment. He pointed out that the variability in case numbers year-to-year makes it challenging to justify investment in vaccine development. Dr. Fauci called for a collaborative global effort between public and private sectors to address this public health issue, similar to initiatives for other diseases like HIV and Covid-19.