“It’s Not Like Him”: North Las Vegas Woman Shares Story of Husband’s West Nile Diagnosis

North Las Vegas, NV – Imagine your husband, a vibrant, active man, suddenly experiencing symptoms you’ve never seen before: severe headaches, a high fever, and a weakness that feels like it’s taking over his body. That’s exactly what happened to , a North Las Vegas resident, when her husband, , was diagnosed with West Nile virus.

“It was terrifying,” says, her voice still tinged with the shock of that July day. “He’s always been so healthy, always on the go. To see him so weak and disoriented, it was like he was a different person.”

‘s story is a stark reminder of the dangers of West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious health complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neuroinvasive disease.

was one of the unlucky ones. He developed meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which left him with lingering effects like fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

“It’s been a long road to recovery,” says, her voice filled with determination. “He’s still not the same as he was before, but he’s getting better every day. We’re thankful for every little step forward.”

wants to share her story to raise awareness about West Nile virus, particularly in Nevada, where cases are on the rise. Nevada saw a record number of West Nile cases in 2023, with cases reported.

“People need to be aware of the risk,” emphasizes. “It’s not just a ‘flu-like’ illness. It can be deadly. We need to protect ourselves and our families.”

Here are some tips from the CDC to help prevent West Nile virus:

• Use mosquito repellent. Apply repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Drain standing water around your home, where mosquitoes breed.

• Repair window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

‘s story serves as a powerful reminder that West Nile virus is a serious threat. By taking precautions, you can reduce your risk and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Keywords: West Nile virus, North Las Vegas, Nevada, mosquito-borne illness, meningitis, CDC, prevention, health, safety, awareness, symptoms, case study, story, recovery