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What Are The Symptoms Associated With West Nile Viral Infection?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Dec 2018
Question: What are the symptoms for West Nile Virus in adults over 65?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fever, headache, malaise, back pain, among others.

Detailed Answer:

Hi and thanks so much for this query.

The usual presentation of West Nile virus infection is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever, headache, malaise, back pain, myalgias, and anorexia. Other symptoms such as eye pain, pharyngitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are also possible.

A rash appears in approximately 25 to 50 percent of patients, usually on the chest, back, and arms. It could be accompanied by signs of pruritus or abnormal sensations.

However, your symptoms are not suggestive of west Nile virus infection. Did you get a vaccine against the flu? How high was your fever? A flu often comes with fever greater than 102F. If your fever wasn't that high, this is probably a common viral infection of the upper respiratory airways and would often resolve spontaneously.

I hope this addresses your query fully. I wish you well.

Regards,
Dr. Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Are The Symptoms Associated With West Nile Viral Infection?

Brief Answer: Fever, headache, malaise, back pain, among others. Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks so much for this query. The usual presentation of West Nile virus infection is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever, headache, malaise, back pain, myalgias, and anorexia. Other symptoms such as eye pain, pharyngitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are also possible. A rash appears in approximately 25 to 50 percent of patients, usually on the chest, back, and arms. It could be accompanied by signs of pruritus or abnormal sensations. However, your symptoms are not suggestive of west Nile virus infection. Did you get a vaccine against the flu? How high was your fever? A flu often comes with fever greater than 102F. If your fever wasn't that high, this is probably a common viral infection of the upper respiratory airways and would often resolve spontaneously. I hope this addresses your query fully. I wish you well. Regards, Dr. Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist