A West Nile Virus story

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I was infected with WNV in late August, 2015---I was 68 yrs. old then, and probably contracted it in my backyard, which is certified wildlife habitat. It's quite lovely and attracts numerous birds, pollinators, and mammals. There were many bird nests in my yard at the time, and the city had confirmed that mosquitoes in Bowie, MD were positive for WNV, shortly before I became ill. I love the outdoors, and in all my years of working in the garden, I received many mosquito bites, so it was a great surprise to me that I could get so sick from something that had occured on a regular basis during our hot, humid Maryland summers.

After I recovered from the more acute symptoms, the fatigue and weakness continued for many months. Two years later I still have a mild tremor in my hands, joint aches, and loss of stamina, although I have been helped by acupuncture.