Does west nile encephalitis always kill you?

No: In fact, most people who get wnv infections don't die. Must people who do are the very young, the elderly, the immunocompromised, or someone with a genetic predisposition. However, a person with an encephalitis that is not appropriately managed supportively, can be at risk of dying if the brain herniates through the bottom of the skull.

Not always: Many previously healthy people who acquire west nile encephalitis will recover. Those most likely to die are the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.