As the West Nile virus continues its sweep across the nation, a Lincoln County couple continues to recover from the virus.

     Jerry and Betty Byrd both contracted the virus in August and have been battling it since, said their daughter, Stacey Byrd Clanton.

     Mr. Byrd was the first to have West Nile, with his wife following soon after. Mrs. Byrd believes they contracted the virus from a mosquito that was flying around their bedroom one night.

     After that day, Mr. Byrd become ill and went to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a kidney infection, but then he became sicker.

     Byrd had 103-degree fever, double vision and was vomiting. He was then sent to Baptist hospital in Jackson.

     “I have never seen my husband that sick,” said Mrs. Byrd. “He’s 6’2″ and 225 pounds and it put him down.”

     While that was happening, Mrs. Byrd became more ill after an initial diagnosis of mononucleosis. She also was sent to Baptist hospital.

     “It felt like the flu,” said Mrs. Byrd. “They feel similar.”

     After getting to the hospital, Mrs. Byrd said she was completely “out of it.”

     “For four days I was very lost,” she said. “I didn’t remember anything that happened.”

     After their conditions improved, the couple was transferred to Methodist hospital for two weeks of rehab.

     Mr. Byrd still has problems moving his left leg and is confused mentally, but is improving. He is currently recovering at Wisteria Gardens in Pearl and receiving additional therapy.

     Mrs. Byrd has been at home recovering since Aug. 27.

     “My muscles are still weak,” she said. “I can’t even walk yet without my walker, but my therapist is saying to expect a full recovery within eight weeks.”

     Mrs. Byrd described feeling achy muscles and sore skin as a result of the West Nile virus.

     “It’s a soreness like you can’t explain,” she said.

     One bright spot Mrs. Byrd mentioned was that doctors told her that once you contract the West Nile virus, you can’t get it again.

     Mrs. Byrd said many people have been praying for her and her husband.

     “We got some many cards with sweet notes on them,” she said. “It’s wonderful to know when you’re sick people are praying for you.”

     Clanton said despite their recovery, her parents still could use support.

     “Even though they have turned the corner, they still need prayers,” she said.

     Despite going through tough times, Mrs. Byrd manages to keep it all in perspective.

     “I just feel blessed that Jerry and I made it. Not everyone does,” she said.