Cowessess West Nile Victim Hoping To Walk Again
Friday, May 29, 2009 at 15:16
A Cowessess First Nation man has a cautionary tale about spending time outdoors without protection against mosquitos.
Nearly two years ago, Stan Delorme thought he had contracted heat stroke as he had cold chills and a fever.
His condition got so bad he had to go to the hospital.
Three days later he couldn’t walk anymore.
Delorme was diagnosed with West Nile Virus.
Delorme needs a wheelchair, but he can walk short stints with his walker.
He hopes to eventually be able to walk more on his own, but says if this is as far as his recovery goes, he’s OK with that.
He is now back at work at his outfitting business.
Delorme says he wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of his wife, Jennifer Pelletier, who quit her job to help take care of him
Delorme warns people to wear long-sleeved shirts, get rid of standing bodies of water and use the original Listerine as mosquito repellent.
He also says if anyone feels sick, they should get tested right away for the virus.