The remaining 25 percent may develop a fever, headache, vomiting, or rash.
More often than not, the symptoms will resolve on their own without treatment.
In the vast majority of cases, the body’simmune defensescan control and eventually neutralize the virus on their own.
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However, the same may not hold true for people whoseimmune systems are compromised.
The types and severity of symptoms are largely dependent on the parts of the nervous system affected.
West Nile Encephalitis
West Nileencephalitisis a condition in which the virus causes inflammation of the brain.
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It does so by crossing theblood-brain barrierthat surrounds the brain and filters out harmful agents.
The West Nile virus is one of the few insect-borne viruses readily able to do this.
West Nile Meningoencephalitis
West Nile meningoencephalitis is a complication affecting both the brain and meninges.
The risk of death is also higher, hovering between 12 percent and 15 percent.
The mortality risk among the elderly may be as high as 35 percent.
Less commonly, West Nile poliomyelitis can affect the respiratory systemand require mechanical ventilation to help the person breath.
It can also cause the loss ofsphinctercontrol, resulting inurinaryorfecal incontinence.
People with fewer affected limbs tend to show better improvement overall.
While the initial paralysis can be profound, it will eventually reverse with little visible impairment of motor function.
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These may be signs encephalitis or meningitis, both of which require emergency treatment.
The West Nile virus is no longer a disease associated with foreign travel.
you’re able to get it in the United States as readily as Africa and the Middle East.
Around 10% of people who develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease will die as a result of neurological complications.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile fever.
Even so, the vast majority of people will recover without treatment or long-term consequences.
Severe cases may require hospitalization to treat complications of the disease and preventsecondary infections.
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Davis LE, Debiasi R, Goade DE, et al.West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease.Ann Neurol.
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Debiasi RL, Tyler KL.West Nile virus meningoencephalitis.Nat Clin Pract Neurol.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.West Nile virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.West Nile virus: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Petersen LR, Brault AC, Nasci RS.West Nile virus: review of the literature.JAMA.
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