A Pilgrimage, a Mosquito, and the Importance of Shielding Your Home: My Encounter with West Nile Virus
My Personal Experience with West Nile Virus: A Timeline and Reflection
Hello, I’m Steve Tristan, founder of Best Custom Screens. Recently, my wife and I embarked on a significant pilgrimage through France, visiting holy sites in Paris, Lourdes, and Nevers. This is my mosquito prevention personal story. Learn from my mistake.
On our first day in Paris, we attended Mass and venerated Jesus’ Crown of Thorns at Notre Dame Cathedral. We prayed our rosary while venerating the crown of thorns. In prayer, there was silence amongst the noise of the crowds in the Cathedral.
We prayed and attended Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. This is where the Blessed Virgin Mary gave Saint Catherine Labouré the Miraculous Medal. Whose incorrupt body is in the chapel on the right-hand side of the altar, as well as the incorrupt body of Saint Louise de Marillac. We also went around the corner to the Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul, where his mostly intact body is encased in a wax figure.
Lourdes is like Heaven on Earth
Lourdes was the most amazing experience of all. Being at the Sanctuary at Lourdes felt like heaven on earth! My wife and I will never forget when we first approached the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, where we truly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and love of Our Lady. It was very overwhelming, and we couldn’t even find the words at the time. It took us both by surprise.
As we prayed at the Grotto, drank from the spring water, went to the washing, and attended Mass, it was a purification and healing process. The Holy Spirit surrounded us, and the continued love of Our Lady of Lourdes filled us and the entire place.
After confession, a priest reminded me that we were standing on holy ground—a moment that made the entire pilgrimage even more meaningful. Praying the Rosary with pilgrims from around the world and joining in the Sanctuary’s online prayers.
One of the most unforgettable experiences was the nighttime procession, when thousands of pilgrims from every corner of the globe gathered to honor Our Lady of Lourdes. We joined the candlelit procession, praying the Rosary together in a symphony of languages—English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Latin, German, Swedish, and so many more—united in faith and hope.
Lourdes was more than a destination; it was an encounter with God and a reminder that, wherever we are, we can open our hearts to His presence and Our Lady. This experience continues to shape how I approach my business and my relationships, always striving to protect and serve others with the same compassion and hope we found in Lourdes.
Mosquito Prevention Personal Story: How I Got West Nile Virus in Nevers, France
Our pilgrimage through France was filled with moments of spiritual renewal and wonder, especially our time in Nevers, where my wife and I stayed at the Convent of Saint Gildard. After settling into our simple cell, we eagerly made our way to the chapel to pray before the incorrupt body of Saint Bernadette. The experience was profoundly moving, and afterward, we explored the convent’s beautiful gardens.
At the edge of the garden, we discovered a hidden treasure: a cave leading to a subterranean prayer sanctuary, open to the elements and seemingly untouched for decades. Inside, a statue of La Pietà stood watch over a wooden bench with a cross carved into its back. The quiet, sacred space invited reflection, but it also harbored a less welcome surprise. As I stood in the sanctuary, I noticed bugs and spiders, and before I could react, I felt a sharp sting through my jeans. A mosquito had bitten me.
I left the sanctuary quickly, not thinking much of it at the time. We flew home the following Monday, with no indication that anything was amiss.
The Onset of Illness
According to medical authorities, the incubation period for West Nile virus—the time between being bitten by an infected mosquito and the onset of symptoms—typically ranges from 2 to 6 days, but can extend up to 14 days, and sometimes even longer in people with weakened immune systems. My experience fell squarely within this window.
- Thursday (Nevers): Mosquito bite in the garden sanctuary.
- Monday: Flew back to the United States.
- Tuesday (five days after the bite): Symptoms began.
On Tuesday, I developed a sudden fever of 102°F. The illness was unmistakable—I felt weak, achy, and exhausted. All I did was sleep. The fever persisted for 4 to 5 days, accompanied by tiredness and fatigue, symptoms that align with typical West Nile fever cases.
Reflections and Takeaways
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms at all, but about 20% develop a flu-like illness similar to what I experienced. Only a small fraction—less than 1%—develop severe neurological complications, which can be life-threatening. I was fortunate to recover fully, but the experience was a stark reminder of how quickly a seemingly harmless mosquito bite can impact your health.
This episode reinforced my commitment to protecting families from mosquito-borne diseases. At Best Custom Screens, we believe that prevention is the best medicine—shielding your home from mosquitoes is a simple, effective way to reduce your risk of West Nile virus and other insect-borne illnesses.
The Growing Threat of West Nile Virus—Even in Europe
Most people associate West Nile Virus with certain regions of Africa and Asia, but recent years have seen its spread across Europe, including southern France and outlying areas beyond the big cities. In 2024 alone, France reported 38 locally acquired cases of West Nile Virus, primarily in the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Occitanie, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which become infected after feeding on birds carrying the virus. Humans, unfortunately, are accidental hosts—meaning we can get sick from a bite, but we don’t transmit the virus further.
While most infections are mild or even asymptomatic, about 20% of people develop fever and other symptoms, and a small percentage (about 1%) can experience severe neurological complications such as meningitis or encephalitis. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for these serious outcomes.
Mosquitoes: More Than Just a Nuisance
My experience in France is a reminder that mosquitoes are not just annoying—they are vectors for dangerous diseases. West Nile Virus is just one example; mosquitoes also transmit Zika, dengue, and other illnesses. The risk isn’t limited to Europe or the U.S.—it’s a global issue that requires vigilance and proactive measures.
Shielding Your Home: The Best Line of Defense
At Best Custom Screens, our mission since 2002 has been to “shield your windows and doors” and protect families from the harmful sun and disease-carrying insects. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of peace of mind at home. We offer:
- Custom window screens and patio sliding screen doors
- Retractable screens and security screen doors
- Solar screens to block UV rays and reduce energy costs
- Pet screens and custom solutions for unique spaces
Our products are designed to keep mosquitoes and other pests out, allowing you to enjoy fresh air without worry. We serve customers nationwide with shipping and provide installation and repair services in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Practical Tips for Mosquito Protection
Whether you’re at home or traveling, here are essential steps to reduce your risk:
- Install and maintain tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors. Repair or replace any that have tears or gaps.
- Eliminate standing water around your property—bird baths, flowerpots, and clogged gutters are breeding grounds for mosquitoes
- Wear protective clothing and use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
- Stay informed about local outbreaks and take extra precautions if you live in or visit affected areas.
Why Choose Best Custom Screens?
Our team is dedicated to your safety and comfort. We provide high-quality, custom-fit screens for homes, apartments, condos, and commercial properties. Our slogan, “Shielding your windows and doors,” is more than just words—it’s our duty to help you create a safer, healthier living environment for your family.
Final Thoughts
My journey through France was filled with spiritual enrichment and unforgettable memories, but it also brought a sobering reminder of how easily disease can travel with us. Let my story be a call to action: take steps now to protect your home and loved ones from mosquitoes and the illnesses they carry.
If you have questions about screening solutions or need help protecting your home, reach out to us at Best Custom Screens. Together, we can keep your family safe, healthy, and comfortable—wherever your journey takes you.
Stay safe and shielded,
Steve Tristan
Founder, Best Custom Screens
“Let my story inspire you to take action: install quality screens, use repellent, and stay vigilant, especially when traveling or spending time outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active.”
