West Nile Virus Reaches Unlikely Victim

Amy DeWeese is 26 years old, lives in Austin and works as a Chief of Staff for State Rep. Kenneth Sheets. With an impressive business record under her belt, DeWeese was in perfect health when she heard of the West Nile virus that has been tearing through Texas. Still, she was careful to apply bug spray when she ventured outside.

“I’ve heard of people that were immunocompromised or older individuals catching this, but I figured, ‘I’m healthy, I take care of myself, I’m not going to catch West Nile,’” DeWeesse said. “But it can happen, I found out.”

After making a quick trip to water her plants without bug spray, DeWeese had received multiple mosquito bites and fell ill a few days afterward. A doctor’s appointment confirmed  she had contracted West Nile virus — a diagnosis she had never expected to hear. She describes her symptoms as nothing suspicious:

“Typical Flu symptoms, feeling terrible,” she said. “He told me I had West Nile — I thought he was kidding. Lo and behold, I had it.”

West Nile virus, a potentially fatal sickness transmitted mainly by mosquitos, usually affects individuals over 50 and those with weakened immune systems. At least 47 people have died as a result of West Nile in Texas alone — which is half the death toll for the entire country. Symptoms usually develop within three to fourteen days, but unlike DeWeese’s case, the CDC says that 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms whatsoever.

What can be done to cure this virus? DeWeese was frightened to learn that there is no cure. Her doctor simply told her to stay hydrated and take Advil and Tylenol. The only way to stay safe is to prevent contraction. The CDC is strongly advising those in affected areas to wear bug spray and stay inside during dusk and dawn.

Work is being done to manufacture more accurate tests for diagnosing West Nile and develop mosquito control programs. Austin is currently refusing to spray insecticide unless that situation is deemed a public health emergency.

As for DeWeese, she is still suffering from fatigue and headaches that her doctor says could persist for months.