Questions and problems

08-08-2008, 02:55 PM

I have a few questions:

What exactly is the test for West Nile Virus? About 5 years ago I got close to 100 mosquito bites and got very ill with a high fever and headache about a week later. I went to a clinic and the doctor told me it was probable that I had WNV, but that the test for it was dangerous and that only if I became sick enough to be hospitalized would I receive the test. Eventually I got recovered but I still do not feel like myself. My glands are still swollen and I often get migraines, fevers and sore throats, in addition to having no energy and sore joints. I feel too fatigued and sore to hold down a job. Is it possible that I have permanent damage from WNV? Can they test me for antibodies 5 years after (possibly) being infected? I have tried explaining this to several doctors, but since I was never "formally" diagnosed, none of them believe me.

10-22-2008, 03:54 AM

Hi Heather
The test for WNV is just a simple blood test....no expensive testing, that sounds more like a spinal type test, I had WNV a year ago September, with your same symptoms, which I was told is "West nile Fever" I was sick with headaches....almost flu like.....recovered and about 10 days later, got it again, which led me to believe, it was more malaria like....but, I have been unable to find any info on that part of it.....its almost like the Doctors dont want to tell you...... I did find out that even if you do get the more serious Encephalitis (sp) form of WNV, there is nothing they can do for you, other than give "comfort" care ( even if you end up in the hospital)
Susan

02-08-2009, 07:11 PM

A malarial like illness that you can get is Babesios--it's from a tick bite but there's a theory that mosquitoes may carry it as well.

Tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme Disease are much more common than WNV, so it's another area worth investigating.

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