West Nile

Question 1

What kind of virus is West Nile?

Answer 1

Flavivirus

Question 2

How is West Nile transmitted?

Answer 2

Mosquitoes

Question 3

T/F : Most people become ill when that contract West Nile?

Answer 3

F : Most people don’t become ill. They are asymptomatic.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of west nile disease?

Answer 4

neuroinvasive disease symptoms such as (high-fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremor, vision loss, numbness/paralysis.)

Question 5

How long does West Nile symptoms last in patients who are symptomatic vs asymptomatic?

Answer 5

symptomatic = can last weeks and have nerologic deficits

Asymptomatic = days-weeks

Question 6

How do the mosquitoes become infected by west nile?

Answer 6

By feeding on infected birds

Question 7

What is the incubation (time the pt is infected before symptoms appear) length for pts with west nile?

Answer 7

Short incubation (3-14 days)

Question 8

T/F : West Nile can be transmitted from mother to child or via blood transfusions/transplants.

Answer 8

T : although it is much more rare.

Question 9

Who is at risk for contracting West Nile.

Answer 9

1. Those who spend time outdoors w/o precautions

2. immunocompromised, elderly.

Question 10

How do you Diagnose West Nile Disease?

Answer 10

IgM on Serum/CSF (usually only done when people are hospitalized)

Question 11

What is the treatment for West Nile?

Answer 11

Supportive

Question 12

Are Antibody Titers efficient for diagnosing diseases?

Answer 12

Depends…. it is very good for diagnosing some disaeses (i.e.: Measles) and not as efficient for others. (West Nile)

Question 13

What are Antibody Titers used for?

Answer 13

used to determine immune response to vaccines (by looking for IgM (early response) IgG (Late response)).

Question 14

How should Antibody Titers be taken to diagnose a disease?

Answer 14

To diagnose disease, typically need “paired tests” at least 10-14 days apart.

Question 15

What is considered “positive” in Antibody Titers?

Answer 15

4 fold increase from baseline. (results from 2nd antibody test is 4x the results from the baseline test)

Question 16

If you have to order an Antibody Titer would you… “typically”
A. wait for results before treating.
B. treat while you are waiting for results to come in.

Answer 16

B. Treat while waiting for results to come in.

Question 17

how do you prevent contracting West Nile disease?

Answer 17

1. prevent mosquito bites (drain water, repellants, avoid outdoors, clothing)
2. window/door screens
3. disposal of dead birds
4. environmental spraying