How often does West Nile poliomyelitis occur?
A. We don’t know for sure how often West Nile poliomyelitis occurs, but it does occur less frequently than meningitis or encephalitis. Scientists are continuing to monitor persons with West Nile poliomyelitis to get a better understanding of how often, and in whom, it occurs. Q. Are there other types of weakness or “acute flaccid paralysis” caused by WNV infection? A. The vast majority of persons with WNV “acute flaccid paralysis” suffer from West Nile poliomyelitis (an inflammation of the spinal cord). Some persons with WNV infection may instead develop an illness similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a disease of the peripheral nerves and not the spinal cord. Weakness of the facial muscles may also develop in persons with WNV infection. While many persons with WNV infection experience fatigue and feel weak all over, this is not the same as “acute flaccid paralysis”. Q. Who tends to be affected by West Nile poliomyelitis? A. People of any age can be affected by West Nile poliom
