Teen Contracts West Nile Virus, Ends Up Paralyzed on Ventilator

A Missouri teenager’s life took a tragic turn after contracting the West Nile virus, leading to severe paralysis and reliance on a ventilator.

At a Glance

A teenager in St. Louis County, Missouri, named John Procter VI, suffered rare complications from West Nile virus, resulting in paralysis and the need for a ventilator.
Symptoms began around August 8 with headaches and dizziness; initial medical assessments misdiagnosed the condition.
It took 20 doctors and over two weeks in the ICU to diagnose West Nile virus.
There is no specific treatment available for West Nile virus, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.

John Procter’s Battle with West Nile Virus

John Procter VI, a teenager from St. Louis County, Missouri, is facing a life-altering battle against West Nile virus. What began as headaches and dizziness quickly escalated into a nightmare requiring medical attention from over 20 doctors. Despite the severe symptoms, the initial diagnosis was a tension headache and a stomach bug.

On August 8, Procter experienced worsening symptoms, which included high fever, lethargy, slurred speech, and difficulty raising his arms. His condition deteriorated rapidly, warranting his admission to the ICU and requiring a ventilator to maintain breathing. Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis ultimately diagnosed him with West Nile virus after a difficult and protracted search for answers.

Potentially Deadly Virus

West Nile virus, primarily spread by infected mosquitoes, has no specific treatment, leaving patients dependent on supportive care measures such as intravenous fluids and pain medications. Severe complications, while affecting only about 1 in 150 people infected, include brain inflammation, meningitis, paralysis, and even death. The CDC reported at least 18 deaths in the U.S. from the virus this year alone, with 182 last year.

“Doctors finally figured out what caused such havoc in our son’s previously healthy body. Our son contracted a severe case of West Nile Virus from a mosquito bite right here in North St Louis County,” John Procter V stated.

Severe cases like Procter’s highlight the necessity for increased public awareness and preventive measures. “This is the prime time, the last week of August, the first week of September, when West Nile usually peaks nationally. People need to be using their insect repellent right now,” advised Erin Staples from the CDC.

Recovery and Hope

Procter, known by friends and family as “BB,” is enduring a grueling recovery process after being hospitalized for over two weeks. Previously diagnosed with meningitis, which was later ruled out, Procter has experienced violent vomiting, high fevers, stroke-like symptoms, and eventually paralysis. Despite these obstacles, his family remains hopeful for his recovery. Small improvements have been noted, thanks to rigorous breathing rehab and physical therapy after doctors removed his breathing tube and gave him a tracheostomy tube.

“Doctors say this will be a marathon to try and get him back to what he was before this virus almost killed him,” wrote his father. John Procter V emphasizes the importance of prayers for his son’s healing and the dedicated medical staff aiding in the recovery. This story underscores the critical need for vigilance during peak mosquito seasons to avoid such life-threatening situations.