West Nile virus infection and postoperative neurological symptoms: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The incidence of West Nile virus, which may cause a range of clinical presentations including subclinical infections, mild febrile illness, meningitis, or encephalitis, has increased over recent years. Rare complications, including optic neuritis, also have been reported. A patient who presented with preoperative asymptomatic West Nile virus developed fever, altered mental status and temporary vision loss after elective multilevel spine fusion surgery.

Keywords: West Nile fever encephalitis; West Nile fever meningitis; West Nile virus postoperative complications.