West Nile survivor now helps others with virus

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August 03, 2012|By Karl Man | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA,Kan.) — It’s been a historically dry summer in Kansas and maybe you haven’t seen or been bitten by too many mosquitoes. Doctors warn not to be fooled, West Nile virus is still a serious problem across the state.

One local survivor of the deadly virus and a man that is current suffering from West Nile spoke to Eyewitness News.

Galen Fruth says it’s all about a positive attitude.

That’s what gets this 72-year old through physical therapy at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis.

Fruth needs the therapy to keep his limbs moving because he recently found out he has the West Nile virus.

“I rarely get bit by mosquitoes”, adds Fruth.

He doesn’t know how he got the virus but he has been seriously ill and in the hospital since Saturday. Fruth doesn’t want anyone else in Kansas to end up in his spot…that’s why he spoke to us.

“If you are going to be exposed make sure you take the precautions that you need so you don’t get bit by the mosquitos that do cause the problem.”

All you have to do is ask Fruth's physical therapist…Brandon Hill almost died from West Nile. Hill became a physical therapist after surviving his experience.

"I can relate to them and give them inspiration".

Hill says bug spray and long clothing when possible is the way to go. Mosquitoes are still out despite these dry summer days…the worst season for West Nile is yet to come.

He wants people to enjoy the next couple months of summer, he does not want people to become too comfortable and forget about the virus. For now the man who once beat West Nile is going to try his best to make sure Galen Fruth joins him as a survivor.

West Nile survivor helps others

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