West Nile fever
West Nile fever is a febrile illness caused by West Nile virus. It commonly causes headache, fatigue, and muscle aches, and can include a rash.
West Nile virus: A mosquito-borne virus in the genus Flavivirus that can cause febrile illness and neurological disease in humans. It is the pathogen responsible for West Nile fever and its more severe forms.
West Nile virus infection: Infection with West Nile virus, ranging from no symptoms to febrile illness or severe neurological disease. West Nile fever is one symptomatic outcome within the broader range of infection.
Dengue fever: A mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, rash, and sometimes dangerous bleeding or shock. Its fever and rash can resemble West Nile fever, but dengue has distinct risks and epidemiology.
West Nile encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain caused by West Nile virus infection. This severe outcome contrasts with the uncomplicated fever experienced by most symptomatic patients.
Culex mosquito: A genus of mosquitoes that includes important vectors of West Nile virus. Infected Culex mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans during blood feeding.
West Nile neuroinvasive disease: Severe West Nile virus infection involving the brain, spinal cord, or meninges. It is the dangerous progression clinicians must distinguish from uncomplicated fever.
Zika fever: A usually mild illness caused by Zika virus, often involving rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Both can cause mild fever and rash after mosquito exposure, but Zika has distinct pregnancy risks.
West Nile meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by West Nile virus. Meningitis is another neurological complication that can follow infection.
Bird migration: The seasonal movement of birds between breeding, feeding, and wintering areas. Migrating birds can carry West Nile virus and help spread it across regions.
West Nile virus serology: Laboratory testing that detects antibodies to West Nile virus in blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Antibody testing commonly supports diagnosis when symptoms follow mosquito exposure.