10 West Nile Virus Symptoms
Symptom #1: Stiff Neck
A stiff neck can be a sign of several different conditions. While a stiff neck may not be a sign of a severe illness, it could be a symptom of a serious infection, such as the West Nile virus.
A stiff neck as a result of West Nile virus infection occurs due to inflammation of the meninges, the tissues surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The inflammation also causes pain in the areas where it occurs. The resultant swelling also causes stiffness in the neck. A stiff neck due to West Nile virus should be treated immediately since the disease can lead to other serious conditions, including meningitis, coma, seizures, and even death.
