A local West Nile virus survivor speaks about his trials and tribulations

Bryan, TX (FOX 44) — In 2006, back when nearly no one had heard of West Nile, Donnie Manry was diagnosed with Neuroinvasive West Nile leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

“The pain went from my neck all the way down both sides of my spine. When I leaned my head forward it felt like someone was just ripping my muscles apart,” says Chief Investigator, Donnie Manry.

Before his fateful bite, Manry was a perfectly healthy 25 year old who worked as a sergeant for the Bryan Police Department.

He spent 7 months in the hospital after the bite and after laying in bed for 3 to 4 of those months Manry finally was able to move his toes. A moment in which he says was quote “epic”.

But it would still be a long road to recovery.

“Overnight, my wife went from being a newlywed with a blended family to being a single mom of three. And doing everything, for the household, financial, for the kids, everything,” says Manry.

Manry says he wouldn’t have got through that difficult time of his life without his wife and kids. He says it’s important to educate yourself about this virus because it can happen to anyone.