West Nile fever encephalitis

Abstract

Three cases of meningoencephalitis caused by the West Nile virus in young people are described. All patients had high fever, severe headaches, and meningeal irritation. One patient had papillitis and a maculopapular rash. Lymphadenopathy, which is a common finding in West Nile fever, was not found in any of our patients. Duration of the disease was one to two weeks, and recovery was complete. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed an increase in protein and pleocytosis (predominantly polymorphonuclears). We believe that West Nile encephalitis is not rare in Israel.