One-year sequelae in patients with West Nile Virus encephalitis and meningitis in Louisiana

Abstract

West Nile Virus (WNV) infection can be severe and complicated by neuroinvasive disease, such as meningitis and encephalitis. Not much is known about the one-year sequelae following a complicated WNV infection. From July to December 2002, the first large outbreak of WNV in the Southern United States occurred in Louisiana. This epidemic resulted in 329 cases of WNV infection including 125 cases of West Nile fever and 204 cases complicated by meningitis and encephalitis. One year later, during the fall of 2003, a telephone survey was conducted to understand the one-year effects of severe WNV infections. WNV case fatality rate was 19.6%. Death certificates of all the deceased were reviewed to verify the mortality rate from WNV infection. The telephone survey revealed that one-year sequelae from severe WNV infections are common and can affect the body and mind. In addition, it can change a person's perception of the state of their health.