Signs and Symptoms of WNV

There are bio-markers that will let you and healthcare staff know that something is not going well in the body. These will be outside of typical norms that are seen in healthy demographics. These are called "signs". The "symptoms" are what you are feeling, and experiencing that are not tangible for a healthcare provider to measure. When we combine these signs and symptoms, we can effectively hone in on an issue that could be the culprit for your sickness. West Nile Virus is no different, in that it has a characteristic set of signs and symptoms that are indicative of what system of the body is affected. With WNV, it is the neurological system that is receiving the brunt of the issues. So lets see the normal signs and symptoms:

Early WNV - Fever
                    - Headache
                    - Body Aches
                    - Fatigue
                    - Back Pain
                    - Skin Rash (occasional)
                    - Swollen lymph nodes (occasional)
                    - Eye pain (occasional)

If the disease is left unchecked or treated improperly, it can and often times will progress to an infection with worsening symptoms. These become more severe, systemic in nature, and possibly life threatening. They include:

Late or indicative of an infection
                    - High fever
                    - Severe headache
                    - Stiff neck
                    - Disorientation/confusion
                    - Stupor/coma
                    - Tremors or muscle jerking
                    - Lack of coordination
                    - Convulsions
                    - Pain
                    - Partial paralysis or weakness

           Fig. 1 Signs and Symptoms 

            Photo Credit

This figure is an easy reference to be able to visualize when things progress from bad to worse. If left untreated, or treated improperly, the disease will progress to a full blown systemic infection in which death is quite possible. So when any of these signs and symptoms are present, especially together in a group, it is time to immediately contact your physician or seek help.

References:

The Mayo Clinic. (2012). Disease and conditions: West Nile virus.
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus/basics/symptoms/con-20023076