Illinois West Nile Virus Survivor 2005

[Therese]

I am from a suburb about 25 miles southwest of Chicago. I became infected with West Nile in August 2005. I developed meningitis and encephalitis. I thank God that I have no outward physical reminders of this often paralyzing disease. I have some mental deficits (memory, emotion and energy) are the most relevant to my case.

When I was affected, there were no trees around, no standing water nearby (it was a dry hot summer) ... I lived in a new subdivision where trees were almost saplings. At the time I became ill, there were only 3 people affected in my county, (Will) ... I still find this number amazing ...

I wish everyone could recover to the point that I have. Thanks!

[Ellen]

I live in chicago's western suburbs. I grew up on a farm in SC and had alwas gardened when we lived in places that possible. (Years in the military sent us many places that wasn't feasible). In August 06 I became disoriented and my husband could surely give more detail; he became alarmed and took me to hospital. That was Friday, late, at the begining of Labor D Weekend - so no lab work 'til Tuesday. My temps went nuts - thank God he had his hands on me much of the time and realized my temp had spicked, went to nurses station & demanded attention. My fever was between 106 & 107. They packed me with ice bags and became very attentive. I think I was in for 8 days.

Lots of memory loss & I'd already been diagnosed with Vertigo so balance too.

I'd been a very successful Realtor & was a National Merit Scholer (sp) Semifinalist.

I function pretty well given all that. Thank god I can still create fab meals for my guy so that creativity cell was saved. Cooking is my passion - has been for years, and we have kids and grandkids close by. My social life has dwindled but I'm OK with that - pressure to be my old self would be exhausting.

I'm grateful to be alive and treasure life. Tony loves telling me the stories of our life together & I'm an awful pack-rat & that's now a blessing rather than a curse; spend hours going thru boxes from the basement. Whatever puzzles me he enlightens. I don't always keep it but his patience is a gift fom God.

And driving is ok - I spend lots of time (and gasoline) refamiliating myself with where things are.