West Nile virus: another alarming side effect of US drought

Stagnant water caused by dry weather gives mosquitoes - the insect that spreads the virus - free rein, leading to an increased risk for humans

For five days in the late summer of 2019, doctors battled to bring down John Hayden's high fever.

Hayden's sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, had everyone stumped, said his daughter Anne Hayden, and his body seemed to fail to respond to any treatment. He succumbed to the inexplicable illness just after Labor Day, his family at his side.