INDEX fluid therapy

Of recent interest is the occurrence of encephalopathy from West Nile virus infection which can be fatal in the immune compromised host. Whereas this infection is transient encephalitis in the healthy, it can result in coma and death in the elderly and the inunune-compromised patient. There is nothing specific about the disorder diagnosis is based on a high index of suspicion as the disorder is seasonal and occurs in late summer. The MRI scan may show very little if any by way of abnormalities. The cerebrospinal fluid is always abnormal with prominent pleocytosis and increased protein. Cerebrospinal fluid is usually positive for IgM antibody to the virus. Care is only supportive therapy. 

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