Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has been diagnosed with West Nile virus. The diagnosis was confirmed by Dr. Jonathan LaPook, Chief Medical Correspondent for CBS News, via social media.

"I just got off the phone with Dr. Anthony Fauci. Dr. Fauci was hospitalized about 10 days ago after developing fever, chills, and severe fatigue. Evaluation revealed that he had been infected with the West Nile virus, likely from a mosquito bite that he got in his backyard," Dr. LaPook shared on his X account Saturday. "He left the hospital 3 days ago and is recovering at home. The prognosis is for a full recovery.”

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the CDC. While many people infected with West Nile virus do not exhibit symptoms, about one in five develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, weakness, muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In more severe cases, the virus can lead to neurologic illnesses like encephalitis or meningitis, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

According to the CDC, there are no vaccines or medicines to prevent the West Nile virus. They advise using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring that windows and doors are properly screened to minimize the risk of mosquito bites, especially during the peak mosquito season, which runs through the late summer and early fall.