What Is West Nile Virus Infection?
West Nile virus causes more than 1200 neuroinvasive disease cases and 120 deaths annually in the US.
The virus spread after a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites a human. It can also be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy or to an infant during breastfeeding.
Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, rash, muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may last from a few days to several weeks.
The virus can be detected in the blood by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. After 3 to 8 days of infection, antibody testing of the blood or the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) is typically performed to detect infection.
This review summarizes the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of West Nile virus infection.
