Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. Scientists are investigating interferon therapy — a type of immune cell therapy — as a treatment for encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. Some research shows that people who receive interferon recover better than those who don't receive the drug, but further study is needed.
If you have signs and symptoms of infection of the brain or spinal cord — high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sudden muscle weakness — see your doctor right away or go to an urgent care center. Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected 1 in 50 people.
People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk. Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent. About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die. Diagnosis See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above.
Your healthcare provider can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection. To learn more about testing, visit our Healthcare Providers page. Treatment No vaccine or specific medicines are available for West Nile virus infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
In rare cases, a severe infection can cause permanent brain damage. Mild forms of West Nile virus may be confused with the flu.
Symptoms include:. Infected mosquitoes usually spread the West Nile virus. The mosquito first bites an infected bird and then bites a human or another animal.
In rare cases, blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, or pregnancy can transfer the virus and spread the illness. Anyone bitten by an infected mosquito can get West Nile virus. However, less than one percent of people who are bitten develop severe or life-threatening symptoms. Age is one of the most significant risk factors for developing severe symptoms from a West Nile infection.
In most cases, your doctor can diagnose West Nile virus with a simple blood test. This can determine whether you have genetic material or antibodies in your blood associated with West Nile virus. If your symptoms are severe and brain-related, your physician may order a lumbar puncture. Also known as a spinal tap, this test involves inserting a needle into your spine to extract fluid.
West Nile virus can elevate the white blood cell count in the fluid, which indicates an infection. MRI and other imaging scans can also help detect inflammation and brain swelling. But you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve symptoms of West Nile virus such as muscle aches and headaches.
If you experience brain swelling or other severe symptoms, your doctor may give you intravenous fluids and medications to lower the risk of infections. Research is currently being done on interferon therapy for West Nile virus.
Interferon therapy is aimed at using substances produced by your immune system to treat encephalitis in people infected by West Nile virus. Your doctor may discuss one or more of these treatments with you if you have encephalitis and your symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
West Nile virus is most commonly spread during the summer, especially between June and September. Around 20 percent of infected people will show some fever symptoms, such as headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually pass quickly. Some symptoms, such as fatigue, can continue for up to several months after the initial infection. Fewer than one percent of people who get West Nile virus infections develop severe symptoms or neurological conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Of these cases, fewer than 10 percent are fatal. Every mosquito bite increases your risk of infection.
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