Question 1

what are the tests for west nile virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Several: Since the disease is usually asymptomatic and has no specific treatment, testing focuses on transmissibility person-to-person which is rare.   Virus in the blood / spinal fluid by PCR proves infection.  Igm anti-wnv suggests recent infection (up to a year), anti-wnv igg may take months to turn positive or be false-positive from dengue / immunization / other viruses.  All blood is now screened.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: west nile virus infection?

Accepted Answer

WNV is a mosquito: borne illness. Most people don’t have sx’s w West Nile virus. Mild sx’s occur in about 20% of people;  which can include fever, eye pain, generalized body aches, headaches, feeling really tired, &amp; possible enlarged lymph nodes or rash. About 1% have severe illness which can include neurological problems.

Question 3

what is the pathogenesis of the west nile virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Brain virus: The flavivirus is carried by mosquitoes, often mutants that bite both birds and people.  It usually produces no symptoms, less often a mild fever, 1% of the time affects the brain, with the virus entering and multiplying in brain cells sometimes with lasting damage.  Until there is a vaccine, avoiding mosquitoes is safest.

Question 4

what damage can congenital west nile virus infection to my unborn child?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: There has been one case of chorioretinal scarring secondary to the congenital infection and there was a study looking at effects on the fetus of congenital wnv. Little has been found it terms of delitierious effects. I would make sure your OB knows you may be infected so that further testing and closer follow-up with u/s can be done.

Question 5

will over-the-counter insect repellant prevent mosquito bites and west nile virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Possibly.: Properly used, it will certainly make infection much less likely.

Question 6

how can the way in which humans become infection with malaria and west nile virus differ?

Accepted Answer

Malaria and WNV: They don't really differ that much.  Both are primarily spread by mosquitoes.  There are some differences, though.  Malaria is primarily confined to tropical and sub-tropical areas.  WNV has spread to even fairly temperate areas, including much of North America.

Question 7

can you tell me how the way in which humans become infection with malaria and west nile virus differ?

Accepted Answer

Mosquito bites: Malaria and West Nile virus are transmitted by 2 different types of mosquitoes.

Question 8

need answer to the cause of west nile virus?

Accepted Answer

Mosquito bourne: West nile virus (wnv) is carried by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds.  They transmit the virus to humans when you are bitten. So stay indoors when mosquitoes are active, wear light colored clothes, long sleeves, hat, long pants, and consider using insect repellant as well.

Question 9

i have cancer, can i be more susceptible to complications caused by the west nile virus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Folks over age 50, and folks on chemotherapy for cancer, are more susceptible to severe disease when they meet the west nile virus. This has been accepted for the past decade.

Question 10

can west nile virus cause meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Encephalitis: The infection involves the substance of the brain, not just the coverings (meningitis), and can be rapidly deadly in susceptible hosts,  real issue of death of nerve cell bodies in brain and spinal cord resulting in a poliomyelitis, with permanent weakness,  yet, most immunologically competent hosts are either asymptomatic, or have a mild flulike reaction for a few days.

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Cause of west nile virus infection

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What are the tests for west nile virus infection?

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What is the definition or description of: west nile virus infection?

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What is the pathogenesis of the west nile virus infection?

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What damage can congenital west nile virus infection to my unborn child?

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Will over-the-counter insect repellant prevent mosquito bites and west nile virus infection?

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How can the way in which humans become infection with malaria and west nile virus differ?

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Can you tell me how the way in which humans become infection with malaria and west nile virus differ?

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Need answer to the cause of west nile virus?

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I have cancer, can i be more susceptible to complications caused by the west nile virus?

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Can west nile virus cause meningitis?

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