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Abdominal Clues From a Neurotropic Virus: An Atypical West Nile Case Caught During a Fever of Unknown Origin Workup

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: mosquitoes. While most infections are asymptomatic, WNV can cause severe neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis and encephalitis, with rare cases of seizures and strokes. Diagnosis typically involves detecting WNV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies or viral RNA. Management is supportive. This report details an unusual WNV presentation in a 50-year-old male patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who experienced gastrointestinal symptoms and persistent high-grade fevers in early fall. This atypical presentation initially led to a diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), delaying proper identification. The case highlights the importance of considering arboviral infections like WNV, especially during peak transmission months (July-September), to facilitate prompt diagnosis, reduce unnecessary investigations, and improve healthcare efficiency.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85760

Authors: Archa Roy, Vikash A Ramtahal, Yan Naing Tun, Kantash Kumar

Institution: Maimonides Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4411212464