Top
20
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
5
What are the symptoms associated with west nile encephalitis?
West nile disease: West nile encephalitis affects about 1 in 150 people who are infected with the virus. It may manifest with fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion, stupor, coma, tremors, seizure, weakness and possibly paralysis. ...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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 2 more doctor answers
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
See 1 more doctor answer
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
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
- Talk to a doctor live online for free
- West nile encephalitis drugs
- West nile encephalitis in children
- West nile encephalitis medication
- Ask a doctor a question free online
- Is there a vaccine for treating west nile encephalitis?
- Does west nile encephalitis always kill you?
- Medicine for west nile virus infection
- How often does west nile fever turn into west nile encephalitis?
- West nile encephalitis