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By Mayo Clinic staff
Supportive therapy
Most people recover from West Nile virus without treatment. Even those who develop encephalitis or meningitis may only need supportive therapy with intravenous fluids and pain relievers.
Interferon therapy
Scientists are investigating interferon therapy — a type of immune cell therapy — as a treatment for encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. Some research shows that people who receive interferon may recover better than those who don't receive the drug, but more study is needed.