ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate long-term outcomes after West Nile virus infection. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of persons reported with West Nile virus in Tennessee in 2002 and interviewed cases 1 year after acute illness. RESULTS: In 2002, 56 cases of West Nile virus were reported in Tennessee; 48 (84%) had meningitis or encephalitis. Of those, 9 (19%) died during acute infection and 12 (25%) died within 6 months of illness onset. Patients with West Nile virus neurologic illness spent a median of 10 days in the hospital and were unable to resume normal activities for a median of 25 days. One year later, 12 of 22 (55%) persons reported that they were not fully recovered, with symptoms including fatigue, weakness, difficulty ambulating, and memory problems. CONCLUSIONS: West Nile virus infection leads to high rates of mortality and substantial persistent morbidity. Prevention efforts should be targeted to populations at highest risk of severe sequelae.
