College Station man with West Nile Virus relearning how to walk

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The Brazos County Health District confirmed its second human case of the West Nile Virus on Wednesday. The patient’s family says the 78-year-old cancer survivor has gone from being active to having to relearn how to walk.

Sara Salzer told KBTX her father, Prospero Rangel, contracted the virus when he was stung twice by a mosquito while outside near his garage.

“He went inside and immediately he said he had to apply something on it because it was just so itchy,” Salzer recalled.

Shortly after, Sara said he began to complain of body aches, weakness, severe joint pain, and a fever.

Mr. Rangel was admitted to the hospital about a week later and is now in physical and occupational therapy to regain his strength.

“We’ve been told that there are going to be some symptoms that are going to stay with him for a while,” relayed Salzer. “We were even told that he may have to do outpatient therapy for the next year.”

Salzer said her father has been down but is determined to regain his health. She also warns the community to follow the precautions set by officials like the Brazos County Health District.

The entity encourages the community to follow the four Ds:

Follow this link to learn more about the virus and testing done by the Brazos County Health District.

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