FreeMD® West Nile Virus Evaluation

West Nile Virus

Evaluation

pain and fever adults

pain and fever children

West Nile Virus Evaluation

The evaluation of West Nile virus begins with a history and physical exam.

The physical exam is usually normal, unless the infection becomes severe.

Physical findings of severe infection include:

Confusion
Lymph gland swelling (generalized)
Difficulty walking
Stiff neck
Arm weakness
Leg weakness
Seizures

Tests may include:

Blood cultures
Complete blood count
West Nile antibody titers

Measurement of IgM titers

Spinal tap
CT scan of the brain
MRI scan of the brain

Continue to West Nile Virus Treatment

freeMD is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a physician. Please review our terms of use.

Last Updated: Sep 4, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

Site Map

West Nile Virus References:

Calisher CH. Medically important arboviruses of the United States and Canada. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1994 Jan;7(1):89-116.
Mackenzie JS, Gubler DJ, Petersen LR. Emerging flaviviruses: the spread and resurgence of Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and dengue viruses. Nat Med. 2004 Dec;10(12 Suppl):S98-109.