Lisa Whelchel is still in the running for the $1 million prize on Survivor: Philipines, but on Nov. 13, the former Facts of Life star revealed that she is trying to outwit, outplay and outlast a new challenger: the West Nile virus.
"Dr. just called with blood test results. . . . I have West Nile. Ugh," Welchel, 49, tweeted Tuesday. In good spirits, Welchel — who anticipates making a full recovery within the next 12 months — reports that she is "fine, just tired."
Spread by mosquitos, West Nile's symptoms include fatigue, headaches and body aches. Whelchel did not address whether or not she contracted the illness while filming CBS' reality series. Although there is no treatment for West Nile itself, the majority of those infected do not suffer permanent health effects.
"I've been very touched by all the sweet tweets. Other than tired, I'm feeling fine & expecting a full recovery," Welchel added when revealing her diagnosis. "So grateful for you. Thanks!"
Now a part of Survivor's final eight competitors, Welchel is optimistic she could take home the top prize. "I'm not one of those that say, 'Yeah, I'm going to win,' because there's so many things that could happen," she tells Us Weekly. "But I think I could!"
