LOS ANGELES, Oct 9, (Agencies); A Californian woman's life took a drastic turn when she fell victim to the West Nile Virus after a fateful encounter with a mosquito. Susan Corie, residing in Roseville, has faced an arduous journey of recovery, leaving her unable to walk. Her ordeal began almost a month ago when she found herself admitted to the hospital, where she embarked on an intensive physical therapy regimen.

The onset of Susan's illness was marked by troubling symptoms, including an elevated fever and persistent muscle spasms affecting her legs. As her condition continued to deteriorate, she encountered significant mobility challenges. The turning point came when she suffered a fall while attempting to reach her bathroom at home. Her concerned husband promptly rushed her to the emergency room, where, on September 11, she received the shocking diagnosis of the mosquito-transmitted West Nile Virus.

Over the weekend, Susan Corie shared her disbelief over the situation, saying, "I've been in the hospital for four and a half weeks because I was bitten by a mosquito." She admitted to having had limited knowledge about the virus and its impact on people prior to her own ordeal.

According to reports, the region experienced a wet winter, creating a favorable environment for a substantial mosquito population. As of the latest update, there have been 205 reported cases of West Nile Virus in California, tragically resulting in six fatalities, according to the California Department of Public Health. Sacramento County ranks second highest in reported cases, with 19 cases, followed closely by Los Angeles County with 18.

Notably, approximately 80% of individuals infected with the West Nile Virus remain asymptomatic, as reported by the Sacramento Department of Health Services. Those who do exhibit symptoms typically endure a range of discomforts, including fever, body aches, headaches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Fortunately, most of these individuals recover within a span of several days to weeks.

However, for around one in every 150 people, severe symptoms emerge, encompassing a high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, coma, tremors, convulsions, vision impairment, numbness, and even paralysis. The neurological repercussions can be permanent, and in the most severe cases, the virus may prove fatal.

While there is no specific cure for the West Nile Virus, individuals grappling with severe symptoms are strongly advised to seek medical attention for supportive care. This includes intravenous fluids and assistance with breathing, all aimed at improving the patient's chances of recovery and reducing the long-term impacts of this insidious mosquito-borne disease.