Purpose of review: This article reviews recent developments in West Nile encephalitis. Because of the large number of individuals infected in the United States, an expanded spectrum of the disease has been recognized. Flaccid paralysis presenting as poliomyelitis-like syndrome is being increasingly recognized.
Recent findings: Since 1999, West Nile encephalitis in the United States has involved thousands of patients providing an opportunity to observe the protean manifestations of the virus. Recently, ophthalmological manifestations have been described that appear to be common and specific for the virus. Clinicians in endemic areas should be careful to distinguish between West Nile encephalitis and its mimics. The virus may occur in patients with underlying disorders that have encephalopathy as a clinical feature, and clinicians should test for the virus during the mosquito season, even in patients that appear to have an explanation for their encephalopathy. West Nile encephalitis may present as viral aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, or encephalitis. Muscle weakness may or may not accompany any of these clinical variants. This virus may be transmitted via blood transfusion.
Summary: Clinical manifestations of West Nile encephalitis continue to expand following each year's outbreaks. New neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations continue to be described. Because of the protean manifestations, testing should be carried out during mosquito season, even in patients that have another explanation for their encephalopathy. There is no effective therapy. Flaccid paralysis may be prolonged/permanent. Prognosis may be related to the degree of relative lymphopenia on presentation, the degree of elevation of serum ferritin levels and advanced age. The course of West Nile encephalitis and its clinical manifestations are the same in normal and compromised hosts.