[West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis]. / L'encéphalite à West Nile Virus (WNV).

ABSTRACT

A DISEASE ON THE COME BACK West Nile encephalitis has been known since the thirties. It generally occurs in Africa and Western Asia, rarely in Europe. The disease has disappeared from France since 1960, but has reappeared in the United States and in Israel. A SEVERE VIRAL INFECTION West Nile encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus. After 2 to 15 days incubation, the patient experiences fever, headache, diffuse pain, and sometimes skin rash. Disorientation, stiff neck, convulsions and paralysis then develop and lead to death in 10 to 15% of the cases. No antiviral agent is active against the West Nile virus. TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION The disease is transmitted to man by mosquitos that became contaminated from infected birds. The most effective preventive measure is the fight against mosquitos.