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 hospitalised but is now at home, and is expected to make a full recovery.
In a post to X on Saturday, CBS News's chief medical correspondent Jonathan LaPook said he had spoken with Dr Fauci, who said he was likely infected from a mosquito bite he got in his backyard.
"Dr Fauci was hospitalized about ten days ago after developing fever, chills, and severe fatigue … he left the hospital three days ago and is recovering at home," he said.
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.
What is West Nile?
West Nile virus 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.
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.
It 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.
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 repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
People with weakened immune systems, over the age of 60, or with existing medical conditions can be predisposed to severe illness, however fatalities are close to absent.
West Nile is found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
One strain called West Nile virus/Kunjin is found in parts of Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia, and is a nationally notifiable disease. No other subtypes are known to be found.
ABC/AP
