( 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 .
`` Facts of Life 's '' Lisa Whelchel has West Nile virus . The 49-year-old actress tweeted , `` Dr. just called with blood test results ... I have West Nile '' `` Survivor : " You're not going to believe this!