Fever of Unknown Origin in a Patient with Confirmed West Nile Virus Meningoencephalitis

Abstract EN

West Nile Virus (WNV), an RNA arbovirus and member of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex, causes a wide range of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic to encephalitis and meningitis.

Nearly all human infections of WNV are due to mosquito bites with birds being the primary amplifying hosts.

Advanced age is the most important risk factor for neurological disease leading most often to poor prognosis in those afflicted.

We report a case of WNV meningoencephalitis in a 93-year-old Caucasian male who presented with fever of unknown origin (FUO) and nuchal rigidity that rapidly decompensated within 24 h to a persistent altered mental state during inpatient stay.

The patient’s ELISA antibody titers confirmed pathogenesis of disease by WNV; he given supportive measures and advanced to an excellent recovery.

In regard to the approach of FUO, it is important to remain impartial yet insightful to all elements when determining pathogenesis in atypical presentation.