How do doctors diagnose West Nile Virus?
Doctors make an initial diagnosis due to the symptoms associated with the virus. Travel history is also considered. If a patient has travelled to an area populated with mosquitoes or an area where the virus has been confirmed, it increases the likelihood of West Nile Virus infection. The virus is confirmed through two separate blood tests. The first test is taken at the onset of symptoms, the second three weeks later. Both tests must be positive for West Nile Virus antibodies before infection can be confirmed.
Doctors make an initial diagnosis due to the symptoms associated with the virus. Travel history is also considered. If a patient has travelled to an area populated with mosquitoes or an area where the virus has been confirmed, it increases the likelihood of West Nile Virus infection. The virus is confirmed through two separate blood tests. The first test is taken at the onset of symptoms, the second three weeks later. Both tests must be positive for West Nile Virus antibodies before infection can be confirmed.
