Focus at Four: Bryan Survivor and Doctor Speak Up on West Nile Awareness

A Public Health Concern

Amidst the heat of the summer season, the threat of mosquito-borne diseases weighs heavily in the Midwest and East, including in Bryan, Texas. One such concern is the West Nile virus, with mosquito samples in the region testing positive as per the Brazos County Health District Vector Surveillance Program’s confirmation in early July.

From Survivors and Experts

First News at Four recently hosted a discussion to raise awareness about the West Nile virus, featuring Dr. Sheila Pinkston from St. Joseph Health, and Donnie Manry, a former Bryan PD officer who survived the virus.

Preventive Measures and Signs

Dr. Pinkston suggests avoiding mosquito bites as the first line of defense against the West Nile virus, explaining, “Not all mosquitoes are infected, but that’s why they do testing. Certainly, if a person has a mosquito bite and then develops flu-like symptoms, they want to seek the care of a physician.”

On the other hand, Donnie Manry, speaking from his personal experience being affected by the virus, said, “If it doesn’t feel like the flu, then be your own advocate. Ask [your doctor] to test for, and do the presumptive test for, West Nile. It’s a simple test. It’s very inexpensive.”

Donnie’s Battle Against the Virus

Manry first showed signs of infection back in 2006, initially mistaking it for a stiff neck. The symptoms grew worse with time, “The next day that progressed and went from the neck down the spine. The following day I started having difficulty walking, so I had to hold on to stuff. By about day five, I went to get out of bed, and I collapsed on the floor, and I was paralyzed from the chest down,” recalled Manry.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

More information is available on West Nile’s presence in the Brazos Valley, required actions, and how to protect yourself and your family from this preventable disease.