What is west nile virus?

It is a viral infection caused by mosquitoes; it can be serious, especially if the virus enters the brain, triggering encephalitis or meningitis.

Babies, older adults, and people with suppressed immune systems are more susceptible to infection, but other factors can increase the risk of contracting this disease, such as:

• Pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding.
• Blood transfusions.
• Chemotherapy.
• Organ transplant.

Symptoms can appear between 3 to 12 days after being infected, with the following signs:

• Sore abdomen.
• Migraine.
• Diarrhea.
• Lack of appetite.
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat.
• Muscle pain.
• Nausea.
• Rash.
• High fever.
• Vomit.

The infection can worsen, presenting the following symptoms:

• Fatigue.
• Mental confusion.
• Weakness of muscles, arms, and legs.
• Fainting.
• Neck stiffness.

The doctor will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, perform a physical examination, and request blood tests or spinal tap, MRI, and CT scan to confirm that it is a West Nile virus infection.

As it is a virus, there is no direct treatment for this condition, so recovery depends on the patient’s immune system strength, but the following may be indicated:

• Abundant fluid intake.
• Bland diet.
• Antidiarrheal drugs.
• Painkillers.
• Medications to inhibit nausea.

In ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department, we provide you with health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions, both chronic-degenerative and acute, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Internal Medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory