West Nile Virus: Symptoms & Signs

Most people infected with the West Nile virus do not develop an illness or any symptoms from the infection. However, an illness with fever occurs in about one out of every five people who become infected. The illness produces flu-like symptoms, including

• fever,
• chills,
• body aches,
• joint pains,
• diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• headache,
• fatigue,
• weakness, or
• rash.

Rarely, in less than 1% of people who are infected, a serious illness with neurological complications develops. These people may develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). In this case, symptoms like high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures (convulsions), or paralysis can occur. Other possible symptoms of severe West Nile virus illness can include difficulty walking and sleepiness. Long-term persistent effects of the severe illness can cause

• insomnia,
• depression,
• memory loss,
• confusion,
• irritability, and
• fatigue.

Causes of West Nile virus

The West Nile virus is a type of arbovirus ("arbo" comes from ARrthropod-BOrne). It is a member of the Flavivirus genus and the family Flaviviridae. People get the infection from a bite from an infected mosquito.

Other west nile virus symptoms and signs

• Body Aches
• Chills
• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Walking
• Disorientation
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Joint Pains
• Memory Loss
• Paralysis
• Rash
• Seizures
• Sleepiness
• Stiff Neck
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Weakness

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