What Is West Nile Virus?
5. Complications
In a very low number of cases, West Nile virus can become very serious indeed. The virus can infect the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord to cause a condition known as meningitis. It can also infect the brain itself, in a condition known as encephalitis. Both of these have the potential to be very dangerous.
Symptoms of these conditions typically include a high fever, a stiff neck, and a severe headache. Patients will also become confused more easily than usual. They can also experience weakness or paralysis of their muscles, and they may also develop tremors. A coma or stupor are other potential symptoms, and some patients will also have seizures. Death can occur in the more severe cases.
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