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Doctor insights on:
Medicine For West Nile Encephalitis
1
What is west nile encephalitis?

Virus: It is a virus that affects the brain, spread by mosquitos. ...Read more
West Nile Encephalitis (Definition)
West Nile encephalitis is the more severe form of West Nile virus infection, which is spread by mosquitoes. The initial viral infection symptoms may range from having none at all to flu-like symptoms such as a fever and nausea as well as vomiting. West Nile encephalitis (brain inflammation) is potentially fatal, and results in symptoms of confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, ...Read more
2
Can humans catch west nile encephalitis?

Mosquito bites: West nile virus must be produced in high numbers before being passed through mosquitoes. Birds are far and away the most frequent carriers. Robins look like they might be responsible for spread all over the country. Mosquitoes have to feed on the infected robin and then pass the virus on to human beings through a bite. ...Read more
3
What are the tests for west nile encephalitis?

West Nile: West nile infection is confirmed by testing blood or cerebral spinal fluid for an IgM antibody specific to the virus. It is recommended that all cases with a positive test result be confirmed by testing at the center for disease control or by the state health department. ...Read more
4
Is west nile encephalitis transmitted from person to person?
NO, except....: The virus is vector-borne through mosquitoes. However, in a special case featured several years ago in the new england journal of medicine, an article described a case where recipients of organs harvested from a west nile virus-infected donor, became ill with west nile virus. ...Read more
6
What are the risk factors for catching west nile encephalitis?
Mosquito bite: West nile occurs in epidemics, usually during summer, and seems to afflict humans and horses most often. Carried by mosquitoes and these bites infect the victim. ...Read more
7
Is there a vaccine for treating west nile encephalitis?

No: No, there is no west nile vaccine for humans as of yet. ...Read more
8
Does west nile encephalitis always kill you?
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. ...Read more
9
How often does west nile fever turn into west nile encephalitis?
Actually uncommon: Most west nile infections are asymptomatic. Some cause mild flu-like symptoms. Full blown infection of brain is rather uncommon in the normal patient and more often seen with immuno-suppression, such as prior transplants, HIV pts, cancer chemotherapy. The polio-myelitis form is even rarer. ...Read more
10
Can west nile virus cause encephalitis?

Yes:
West nile virus is caused by an infection transmitted via a mosquito bite. Many people may be exposed to the virus but never develop symptoms. When symptoms do develop, it is typically fever and headache although more severe symptoms may occur. The cdc has info on west nile activity nationwide:
http://www. Cdc. Gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index. Htm.
...Read more
11
What is recovery rate from West Nile virus causing encephalitis?

Variable: A case of West Nile virus with encephalitis recover but takes long time, prolonged recuperation and need rehabilitation for a long time. They may have some memory loss or weakness of limbs ...Read more
12
Encephalitis from west nile virus. What is death rate/cute rate? What treatments are available
Hard to say:
Some studies have quoted mortality from neuroinvasive cases of wnv ~5%, but this must be a huge overestimate. Maybe 3 in 1000 of all cases are severe (or neuroinvasive), so you might guess less than 1 in 5000 cases die.
Most of the deaths appear to come in the elderly, chronically ill or immunosuppressed.
Treatment is mainly supportive (including intubation & ventilation in severe cases).
...Read more
13
What are some of the non-drug treatments for West Nile Virus?

The non drug treatments for West Nile Virus include:: Supportive care.
Get a more detailed answer ›
14
I was bitten by a mosquito. I am nervous about west nile. I am mid 20's and healthy.?

Minimal risk: Very few mosquitoes carry west nile virus. Very few people bitten by a carrying mosquito develop symptomatic infection, and very few who are infected develop encephalitis, which may be predisposed to by advanced age, immune suppression by underlying illnesses, etc. Your likelihood of getting sick is very low. ...Read more
15
What does west nile look like?

Virus pic: This is an electron microscopy shot of the virus. ...Read more
16
How prevalent is west nile disease right now?
CDC:
The cdc keeps close tabs on this virus. Most people who get it aren't symptomatic and will never realize they had it. 1% get a severe neuroinvasive version requiring hospitalization. It has been reported in almost every state. In your state of louisiana there have been 4 neuroinvasive cases of west nile this year.
http://www. Cdc. Gov/westnile/index. Html.
...Read more
17
How does a person know that he/she is bitten by a west nile mosquito?
You don't: You don't know, because they don't look or feel any different. So it you get sick soon after being exposed to mosquito bites, be sure that you tell your md. ...Read more
18
Do I have West Nile virus?
West Nile Virus: West Nile virus infection typically begins with the abrupt onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and flu-like symptoms. If these are things you are experiencing, then reach our promptly to your physician to be evaluated and treated as early intervention is valuable in preventing long term complications. ...Read more
19
How dangerous is the west nile virus?

West nile virus: This can be very dangerous as it causes a viral encephalitis. This can result in coma and death. ...Read more
20
What are symptoms of west nile virus?
Varies per person.: Symptoms of wnv can include: fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, back pain, skin rash (occasionally), swollen lymph glands (occasionally), eye pain (occasionally), stiff neck, disorientation / confusion, lack of coordination, and possibly seizures. If you are concerned that you could have wnv infection, please see a doctor / health care provider. ...Read more
21
How is the west nile virus transmitted?

West Nile Virus: Typically, west nile virus spreads to humans via infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. You can not get infected by touching or kissing a person with the virus. In some cases, the virus may be spread by organ transplantation and blood transfusions. ...Read more
22
Is there a test fo the west nile virus?
This is new test:
The west nile virus IgM capture elisa is intended for use in patients with clinical symptoms consistent with viral encephalitis/meningitis.
Most tests take time to show infection. This is much faster.
...Read more
23
How would I know if I had West Nile virus?
Fever: Above 101 would be present.
Get a more detailed answer ›
24
Can you always have a fever with west nile?
No: The majority of people who develop west nile virus infections do not have any symptoms. ...Read more
25
What are the symptoms of the west nile virus?
Quite variable: It can range from no symptoms to just fever to headache and fever (meningitis) to confusion, weakness, seizures (encephalitis). ...Read more
26
Is severe exhaustion common in west nile patients?

It may occur: Most people infected with west nile virus have no symptoms but the minority who develop neurological infection and inflammation will commonly report body aches and exhaustion that go on for weeks to months after the infection. ...Read more
27
Can west nile virus be fatal?

Yes: It's more dangerous for the young and old with weaker immune systems, and it's not common, but it is certainly possible. ...Read more
28
Is sleeping sickness same as west nile?

No: 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, & possible enlarged lymph nodes or rash. About 1% have severe illness which can include neurologic problems. Possible sx’s include: seizures, severe headache w stiffness of the neck, high fever, confusion & weakness. >. ...Read more
29
How deadly is West Nile virus untreated?
Only 1% have severe: Sx. 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, & possible enlarged lymph nodes or rash. About 1% have severe illness which can include neurologic problems. Possible sx’s include: seizures, severe headache w stiffness of neck, high fever, confusion & weakness. ...Read more
30
How do I know if I have west nile fever?
Most no symptoms.: 80% of people infected have no symptoms. If you develop symptoms of severe west nile virus illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately, according to the cdc. Severe illness usually requires hospitalization. Milder cases improve on their own and do not necessarily require medical attention. ...Read more
Encephalitis (Definition)
The encephalon is considered to be the gray matter of the brain. This is where all the neuron cells are located. If an infection sets in to this region it is called an encephalitis. The -itis ending just means inflammation. It is usually virus infections that like to go specifically to the ...Read more
West Nile Virus (Definition)
West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne infection that originated in the tropics. It causes a flu-like syndrome in 20% of those infected. It ...Read more
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