West Nile Virus Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• West Nile virus infection is a disease that is carried by mosquitoes and is caused by the West Nile virus (WNV). This virus (germ) mainly affects birds, but can also infect people. People usually get the virus when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. A person with WNV infection may pass it to another person through blood transfusions or organ transplants. An infected mother may pass the virus to her unborn child or to her nursing baby through breast feeding.
  
  
• Most people who get a WNV infection do not have any signs or symptoms. People who develop West Nile fever may have mild symptoms and may feel like they have the flu. A fever with signs or symptoms of brain, spinal cord, or nerve problems is seen with a severe WNV infection. These problems may include acting or talking differently than normal, trouble thinking clearly, seizures (convulsions), or severe weakness. A WNV infection may be diagnosed by a lumbar puncture, blood tests, and other imaging tests. Treatment includes treating the signs and symptoms of this disease, as well as its complications. WNV infection may be prevented by controlling human and mosquito contact. With treatment, such as medicines, you may have a greater chance of having a full recovery.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

You may become very sick from a WNV infection. Your brain and spinal cord may be affected. If left untreated, you may have problems with hearing, seeing, talking, or learning. WNV infection may even cause seizures (convulsions), paralysis (unable to move), or death. Having treatment as early as possible may decrease these risks. The risks of serious problems may also be less if you follow your caregiver's advice. Talk to your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your disease, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Anticonvulsant medicine: This medicine is given to control seizures. Take this medicine exactly as directed.
  
  
• Antiviral medicine: Antiviral medicine may be given to fight an infection caused by a germ called a virus.
  
  
• Antipyretics: This medicine is given to decrease a fever.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Neurologic exam:

This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.

Respiratory support:

• Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
  
  
• Ventilator: This is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your airway through your mouth or nose. You may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is an airway tube put into an incision (cut) in the front of your neck. The ET tube or trach is attached to the ventilator.

Tests:

If you have symptoms of swelling of the brain or its coverings, your caregiver may do some tests. It is important to know what is causing your symptoms. This will help your caregiver decide what treatment is best for you. Tests may also be done to see how your body is handling your disease.

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your skull and brain. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.
  
  
• EEG: This test is also called an electroencephalogram. Many small pads or metal discs are put on your head. Each has a wire that is hooked to a machine. This machine prints a paper tracing of brain wave activity from different parts of your brain. Caregivers look at the tracing to see how your brain is working.
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: This procedure may also be called a spinal tap. During a lumbar puncture, you will need to lie very still. Caregivers may give you medicine to make you lose feeling in a small area of your back. Caregivers will clean this area of your back. A needle will be put in, and fluid removed from around your spinal cord. The fluid will be sent to a lab for tests. The tests check for infection, bleeding around your brain and spinal cord, or other problems. Sometimes medicine may be put into your back to treat your illness.
  
  
• MRI: This scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your brain. It will also take pictures of the blood vessels and structures in your head. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell caregivers if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood. Remove all jewelry, and tell caregivers if you have any metal in or on your body. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell caregivers if you cannot lie still or are anxious or afraid of closed spaces.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or to look for collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around the heart and lungs.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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