West Nile Virus Diagnosis: Symptoms, Testing & What to Do

The West Nile Virus--prevalent in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East--first appeared in the United States in 1999. Since its appearance, the virus is a presence in all forty-eight of the mainland states. While some people with West Nile never show symptoms, others develop a life-threatening illness. A few steps can help you diagnose West Nile Virus.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for West Nile fever, which is prominent in 20% of those infected with the virus. The illness is a mild infection that can cause skin rash, headaches, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, backache, muscle aches, lack of appetite and swollen glands. If you can diagnose these symptoms, you are at risk.

• 2

  Beware of more serious neurological illnesses. West Nile causes encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, meningitis and West Nile poliomyelitis in less than 1% of those infected. Symptoms consist of severe fever, convulsions, mental confusion, extreme headache, stiff neck, tremors, lack of coordination, partial paralysis and coma.

• 3

  Keep track of the time an illness lasts. Typically, West Nile fever only lasts a few days while more serious illnesses associated with the virus can linger for weeks. In some cases, if the illness goes untreated, paralysis is permanent.

• 4

  Seek medical attention if you feel you might be at risk. If you feel that you are a likely carrier of West Nile because of your location or symptoms, be cautious and see a doctor just to be on the safe side.