'Survivor' star Lisa Whelchel fights West Nile virus

Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel, who is competing on this season of Survivor: Philippines, shared a scary diagnosis with fans this week.

On Tuesday, Whelchel, 49, tweeted her diagnosis. "Dr. just called with blood test results...I have West Nile. Ugh. I'm fine, just tired. Takes a year to recover," she wrote.

It's unclear if she came down with the disease, which is spread by mosquitoes, during the filming of Survivor.

Whelchel followed up with a Tweet to reassure fans: "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!"