This page has moved. Click here to view. West Nile FeverWest Nile fever is a mosquito-transmitted, acute, self-limited illness that presents chiefly with fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, and rash. Virus transmission involves mosquitoes and wild birds, with mammals, including humans, as incidental end-stage hosts. In endemic areas, human infections are extremely common, with over 60% of young adults having antibodies; this suggests a high prevalence of inapparent or undifferentiated febrile illness in There is West Nile Fever, nile fever, westnile fever, west nile virus CLINICAL FEATURES.Following an incubation period of 1 to 6 days, the onset is usually abrupt without prodromal symptoms. The temperature rises quickly to 38.3 to 40°C, with Symptoms include drowsiness, severe frontal headache, ocular pain, myalgia, and pain in the abdomen and back. A small number of patients have dryness of the throat, anorexia, and nausea. Cough is Examination shows facial flushing, conjunctival injection, and coating of the tongue. The predominant finding is generalized lymphadenopathy. Nodes are of moderate size and nontender and usually include the occipital, axillary, and inguinal chains. The spleen and liver are The temperature curve may be Infection also may result in aseptic meningitis or meningoencephalitis, especially in Treatment is Ribavirin has activity against West Nile fever virus The disease is fatal, its Until a bacterial cause is excluded by culture of blood and CSF, parenteral antibiotic therapy should be administered. Treatment of Acetaminophen is recommended for fever. Codeine, morphine, and the phenothiazine derivatives may be necessary for pain and vomiting, but if possible, their use in children should be minimized because they may induce misleading signs and symptoms. Intravenous fluids are occasionally necessary because of poor oral intake. More severe disease may require hospitalization and It is important to anticipate and be prepared for convulsions, cerebral edema, hyperpyrexia, inadequate respiratory exchange, disturbed fluid and electrolyte balance, aspiration and asphyxia, and cardiac or In patients with evidence of increased ICP, placement of a pressure transducer in the epidural space may be indicated for monitoring ICP. The risks of cardiac and respiratory failure or arrest are high with severe disease. All fluids, electrolytes, and medications are initially given parenterally. In prolonged states of coma, parenteral alimentation is SIADH is quite common in acute CNS disorders; thus, constant evaluation is required for its early detection. Normal blood levels of glucose, magnesium, and calcium must be maintained to minimize the threat of If cerebral edema or seizures become evident, vigorous treatment should be
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