CAHABA HEIGHTS, Ala. (WIAT) -- A Cahaba Heights man, hospitalized with West Nile Virus, is back at home tonight after spending six weeks in two separate rehab facilities.

“When they told me I get bit by a mosquito and this is how I am now, I didn’t believe it,” Gus Cleary said.

According to the Jefferson County Department of Health, only 3 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in 2025 in Jefferson County, with 21 cases reported in the entire state.

Deputy Health Director Dr. Wesley Willeford said cases are actually under reported because 80% of people who come into contact with West Nile Virus don’t even get sick.

“About 20% of them may have a very mild illness; it’s really a very small percentage who get really, really sick,” he said.

Unfortunately for Cleary, his case was one

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