Diagnosis and treatment

WNV can usually be diagnosed witha blood test . If meningitis is suspected,a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord) will be removed during a lumbar puncture and tested.

There is no specific treatment for the infection. If your symptoms are mild, they will usually get better without treatment in a few daysand you won't normally experience any long-term side effects.

If your symptoms are more severe, you will need to go to hospital. Treatment may include intravenous fluids (given through a drip in your arm), medication to control seizures, andhelp with breathing.

Even with treatment, severeWNV can lead to long-term problems such asfatigue (extreme tiredness), muscle weakness and memory problems.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018