r. Anthony Fauci Recovering at Home Following 6-Day Hospitalization for West Nile Virus

 On Saturday, Aug. 24, a spokesperson for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the 83-year-old former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, confirmed to The Washington Post that he had been hospitalized but is now recovering at home. "A full recovery is expected," the spokesperson said.

The Post also reported that an insider close to Fauci mentioned that he is unsure how he contracted the virus and had been hospitalized for six days.

Dr. Jonathan LaPook, CBS News’ chief medical correspondent, shared on X that he had spoken with Fauci, who revealed that he had been hospitalized about 10 days ago after developing "fever, chills, and severe fatigue." LaPook added that Fauci was likely infected with the West Nile virus from a mosquito bite in his backyard. Fauci was released from the hospital three days ago and is now recovering at home, with a prognosis for a full recovery.

West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. Although there is no vaccine, the CDC advises using bug spray, wearing long sleeves or pants, and taking steps to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes as preventive measures.

Dr. Fauci served at the NIH for over four decades, contributing to public policy on HIV/AIDS, SARS, MERS, avian influenza, swine flu, Zika, and Ebola. Throughout his career, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and 62 honorary doctoral degrees. He gained widespread recognition in 2020 for advising the public and then-President Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, Fauci retired and now serves as a Distinguished University Professor at Georgetown University with a joint appointment in the School of Medicine and the McCourt School of Public Policy. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Fauci reflected on his career and the changing attitudes towards science and public health in America. He expressed cautious optimism that people will ultimately recognize the importance of unity and science in overcoming challenges.