Signs of West Nile virus infection

Description

A viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The virus lives in wild birds and mosquitoes get the virus after biting an infected bird. People then acquire the virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The risk of becoming infected is highest during the mosquito season. Efforts to decrease the mosquito population can reduce the number of infections. Some patients who get infected have little or no symptoms. Most patients fully recover and death is extremely rare. Lethal cases are more often seen in the elderly and those with weak immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include: fever, headache, back pain, muscle aches, lack of appetite, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. More severe infections cause: severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, weakness or paralysis, numbness, coma, death.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis. Serologic blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. A lumbar puncture will be done for significant neurologic symptoms.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
UA
X-Ray
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

There is no specific cure for the disease. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms and supporting the patient's vital signs. Antibiotics are not helpful, and there is not a vaccine for the disease.