West Nile Virus Strikes a Survivor Philippines Contestant

It can happen to anyone.  You, me or Lisa Whelchel, know for her character Blair on the”Facts Of Life” and recent Survivor Philippines contestant.

She had been feeling very tired for quite some time and went to the doctor.  After running some blood test he confirmed she had West Nile. It is unclear if the former child star caught the illness overseas or at her home in a Dallas suburb. Dallas has been the center of last year’s near record outbreak of the mosquito borne illness.

She announced her results on Twitter saying ““Dr. just called with blood test results, I have West Nile. Ugh. I’m fine, just tired.” Source

The strange thing about those infected is that about 80 percent have no symptoms, according to the CDC, and the other 20 only have mild flu-like symptoms.  Some though, can can suffer a serious infection, some form of neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis or encephalitis. These patients can suffer permanent neurological injury or death.

If you have questions about protecting your family from mosquitoes or ticks, please give us a call.