Summary:
The US actress who plays a US TV presenter on the NBC sitcom Survivor has been diagnosed with a rare form of the disease.

Full article:
(EW.com) -- "Facts of Life" star and "Survivor" schemer Lisa Whelchel has West Nile virus. The 49-year-old actress tweeted her condition, writing, "Dr. just called with blood test results...I have West Nile. Ugh. I'm fine, just tired. Takes a year to recover." It's unknown where she contracted the illness, which can be spread by mosquitoes. 10 Most Successful Mouseketeers . "Survivor: Philippines" wrapped its production in April. Approximately 5,000 Americans have been infected by the illness this year, and Texas, where Whelchel lives, is one of the hardest-hit states. Whelchel later tweeted, "I've been very touched by all the sweet tweets. Other than tired, I'm feeling fine & expecting a full recovery. So grateful for you. Thanks!?" See the original article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.