Austin woman recovering from West Nile

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas is suffering it's worst year ever of West Nile virus. In Texas this year, 43 have died from the virus. That's about half of all the deaths in the rest of the country.

Seniors may be most vulnerable, but anyone can contract the virus. Just ask Austin's Amy DeWeese.

DeWeese, 26, is the chief of staff for State Rep. Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas.

Last week she became ill, very ill.

DeWeese recalls going to her doctor and explaining her symptoms. "Typical flu symptoms, feeling terrible," she said. "He told me I had West Nile -- I thought he was kidding -- lo and behold, I had it."

DeWeese then endured the worst week of her life.

"Over three days, the symptoms increased even worse. On the third day I felt like I had a concussion, my head felt like it was about to pop off my body, it was just pounding," said DeWeese.

Unfortunately there isn't a cure for the virus.

"There's really nothing you can do," said DeWeese. "Just stay well hydrated and take Advil and Tylenol."

• Ways to protect yourself
• Mapping the outbreak

DeWeese had been diligent about using bug spray but decided one day to water her plants without it. She got several mosquito bites and became sick a few days later.

DeWeese never thought it would happen to her.

"I'd heard of immuno-compromised or older individuals catching this but I figured I'm healthy, I'm not going to catch West Nile. But it can happen, I found out."

DeWeese went through a rough week, far worse than she could have imagined.

Speaking from experience, DeWeese is reminding people to wear bug spray and go to the doctor if you start feeling badly.

DeWeese returned to work this week, but still experiences fatigue and headaches. Her doctor told her that could go on for several months.