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 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 3

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 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

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 7

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 8

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 9

how does west nile virus spread?

Accepted Answer

Mosquitoes: Summer and early fall.  It does not seem to be catching person-to-person.

Question 10

what r some symptoms of west nile virus?

Accepted Answer

Fever and ...: Headache, tiredness, body aches, swollen lymph glands, maybe a skin rash. But when the infection leads to a severe disease, symptoms would include headache, high fever, neck tightness, disorientation, muscle weakness and paralysis. Most people who get infected with the wnv will not develop symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

West nile virus infection

A member asked:

What are the tests for west nile virus infection?

A member asked:

What is the pathogenesis of the west nile virus infection?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: 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:

What is the treatment for 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:

How does west nile virus spread?

A member asked:

What r some symptoms of west nile virus?

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