A working mother residing in Colorado has experienced significant challenges in both parenting her daughter and fulfilling her job responsibilities after contracting a rare case of West Nile virus last year. Lisa Montez, a 31-year-old Windsor, Colorado native, believes she contracted the virus approximately one year ago while engaging in her favorite pastimes of hiking and fishing. These activities, which brought her joy, were abruptly halted when she fell ill and began experiencing debilitating symptoms. These symptoms have not only affected her ability to drive and maintain her 50-hour work week as a software developer but have also hindered her ability to be present and attentive as a mother.
West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and often goes undiagnosed. While the virus is generally mild in about 80 percent of cases, it can cause severe neurological damage in some instances, such as brain swelling and meningitis. Approximately 20 percent of individuals who contract the virus may experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headaches, joint pain, rashes, and stomach issues. Unfortunately, some individuals, like Lisa Montez, may face more severe and debilitating symptoms.
Lisa Montez contracted West Nile virus in July 2022 and, unlike the majority of cases, she began feeling sick almost immediately. She falls into a smaller category of individuals who experience symptoms such as migraines, fatigue, fever, and rashes. In the most severe cases, the virus can lead to brain swelling, convulsions, and paralysis. Ms. Montez also developed a rash on her face, adding to the usual symptoms associated with West Nile virus.
It is essential to note that West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and not from person to person. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus after feeding on birds, which are natural hosts for the virus. Lisa Montez recollects her experience with the virus, stating, “I had the rash, I had the flu-like symptoms, but instead of getting better like most people do, you feel crappy for a few days, I did not get better. I ended up getting worse and worse and worse. We went from being completely healthy and fine and normal to not – to completely opposite.”
As a result of her symptoms, Lisa Montez now lacks the energy to engage in her favorite activities and frequently experiences migraines, fatigue, balance problems, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms have also prevented her from driving, as they have impaired her processing speed, multitasking abilities, and overall attentiveness to her surroundings, including other vehicles, speed limits, and traffic regulations. Additionally, she has had to reduce her workload from a demanding 50-hour work week to part-time hours. Her husband, Abel Montez, has taken on numerous household responsibilities and has become the primary caregiver to their six-year-old daughter, Aria.
Mr. Montez describes his daughter’s perspective on their situation, saying, “She just could not understand why, all of a sudden, Mommy can’t play with me. Mommy has to lay down. So she’s really kind of understood, you know, ‘If Mommy needs to rest, let Mommy rest.'”
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected species of mosquito called the Culex mosquito. These insects become infected with the virus after feeding on birds, which act as common hosts for the virus. Culex mosquitoes primarily dwell around stagnant water sources, such as the lake near Ms. Montez’s residence in northern Colorado.
Health authorities have observed a global increase in West Nile virus cases. In the continental United States, it is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease, with an estimated 2,200 cases reported annually. The ongoing effects of climate change, including warmer temperatures and extended breeding seasons, have contributed to the proliferation of mosquito populations in the U.S., thereby elevating the overall risk of contracting the disease.
Despite her challenges, Lisa Montez remains determined to utilize her experience to educate others about West Nile virus and its prevention. She emphasizes the importance of prevention, acknowledging that it only takes one mosquito bite to change someone’s life. She encourages individuals to take two minutes to apply mosquito spray before going outdoors, as this simple precaution can potentially save them from enduring a year or more of debilitating symptoms.
To summarize, West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes that acquire it from birds. It was first discovered in Uganda in the 1930s and has since spread to almost every continent. In 1999, the virus reached the United States, likely through a shipment from the Middle East. While the majority of individuals infected with West Nile virus do not exhibit any symptoms, those who do may experience flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, and headaches. Severe cases can lead to coma, tremors, paralysis, and even life-threatening encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus patients, but severe cases may require hospitalization for close monitoring. Over-the-counter pain relievers are recommended for individuals with mild illness to alleviate fever and other symptoms. Approximately 70 people die each year in the U.S. from West Nile virus.
Sources: CDC
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