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

what is the treatment for west nile virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Treating West Nile: There is no specific therapy for this viral infection.  Supportive treatment for symptoms and time are the only treatments.

Question 9

i got bitten by a mosquito will i get west nile virus?

Accepted Answer

WNV: Although west nile virus is now in most of the us, the majority of mosquitoes are not infected. You would have to be bitten by an infected mosquito.

Question 10

i have a serious flu like cold can this be west nile virus?

Accepted Answer

West Nile Signs: It could be as the signs and symptoms can be similar. The questions is more about where you live, your recent activities and any evidence of bites. Armed with this initial information, I recommend contacting a physician to further evaluate you as rapid treatment can prevent long term complications.

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Doctor answers about:

West nile virus infection drugs

A member asked:

What are the tests for west nile virus infection?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

What is the pathogenesis of the west nile virus infection?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

What is the treatment for west nile virus infection?

A member asked:

I got bitten by a mosquito will i get west nile virus?

A member asked:

I have a serious flu like cold can this be west nile virus?

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