West Nile virus infection

PREVIEW

This summer and fall, primary care physicians may be seeing more cases of West Nile virus infection as circulation of the virus becomes more widespread across the United States. Although most cases are asymptomatic, the disease can cause fatal meningoencephalitis. Therefore, it is important to consider West Nile virus infection in differential diagnosis of certain illnesses. In this article, Dr Gelfand reviews the transmission cycle of the virus, appropriate clinical management, and the current strategies for disease prevention.