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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor can confirm the presence of West Nile virus in your body by analyzing a sample of your blood or the fluid surrounding your spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). If your doctor suspects a serious, West Nile virus-related illness such as meningitis or encephalitis, you may undergo a lumbar puncture or brain-imaging tests.
- Laboratory tests. If you are infected, a blood test may show a rising level of antibodies to the West Nile virus. Antibodies are immune system proteins that attack foreign substances, such as viruses. A positive ribonucleic acid (RNA) test for the West Nile virus also is an indicator that you have the virus.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The most common way to diagnose meningitis is to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. A needle inserted between the lower vertebrae of your spine is used to extract a sample of fluid for laboratory analysis. The fluid sample may show an elevated white cell count — a signal that your immune system is fighting an infection — and antibodies to the West Nile virus.
- Brain tests. In some cases, an electroencephalography (EEG) — a procedure that tests your brain's activity — or an MRI scan can help detect brain inflammation.
- West Nile virus: Clinical description. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/clinicians/clindesc.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- West Nile virus: Epidemiologic information for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/clinicians/epi.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- West Nile virus: Fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/WNV_factsheet.pdf. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- Lindsey NP, et al. Surveillance for human West Nile virus disease - United States, 1999-2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2010;59:1.
- Questions and answers: Symptoms of West Nile virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/symptoms.htm. Accessed May 20, 2010.
- Petersen LR. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of West Nile virus infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Petersen LR. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of West Nile virus infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Petersen LR. Treatment and prevention of West Nile virus infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
- Questions and answers: Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm. Accessed May 20, 2010.
- What you need to know about mosquito repellent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm. Accessed May 19, 2010.
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