In order to make a diagnosis of
West Nile virus, your doctor will ask a number of questions, perform a physical exam, and recommend certain tests. As part of diagnosing a West Nile virus infection, the doctor will also rule out other causes of possible
West Nile virus symptoms.
If your doctor determines that you are at high risk and have symptoms of
West Nile encephalitis, he or she will draw a blood sample and send it to a commercial or public health laboratory for confirmation.
Diagnostic Tests for West Nile Virus
The most commonly used laboratory test for diagnosing West Nile virus measures antibodies that are produced by the infected person at a very early stage of the infection. These antibodies, called IgM antibodies, can be measured in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This blood test may not be positive when symptoms of West Nile virus first occur; however, the test is positive in most infected people within 8 days of the onset of symptoms.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print