Description
DOES ANY LAB TEST NOW TEST FOR WEST NILE VIRUS?
Yes, we do.
WHAT IS THE WEST NILE VIRUS?
West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitos who have bitten infected birds causing a seasonal disease that occurs most frequently in the summer and fall when mosquitos are most prevalent in the United States. When they bite humans the disease can easily spread to the host and can be very serious.
80% of those with the disease do not develop symptoms and usually the disease improves on its own but those who develop severe West Nile Virus usually need to be hospitalized. Severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, convulsions, vision loss, numbness or paralysis. The symptoms can last for weeks and have the potential to cause permanent neurological damage.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A WEST NILE VIRUS LAB TEST?
Prices vary by location. Please contact your closest store.
WHY DO I NEED TO BE TESTED FOR WEST NILE VIRUS?
West Nile Virus symptoms generally appear between 3 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Although not everyone who is bitten by mosquitos will develop the disease, it is impossible to know you will develop symptoms.
If you begin to develop even mild symptoms and think that you may have been exposed through a mosquito bite, a West Nile Virus test can determine whether you have been infected. Unusually severe headaches or confusion can be treated in the hospital with intravenous fluids, breathing assistance and nursing care, although there is no cure for the disease. Up to 20% of those infected will develop mild symptoms including swollen lymph nodes, vomiting or a skin rash on the chest or back. Some early treatments can improve the recovery of the disease and prevent complications.
DO I NEED TO FAST FOR THIS TEST?
No.
OTHER RELEVANT LAB TESTS:
People who have gotten the West Nile Virus test may also be interested in the Lyme disease test or the Tick-Borne Disease Panel.
WHAT ARE THE TEST RANGES FOR THE WEST NILE VIRUS LAB TEST?
Reference Ranges:
WNV (IgG) <1.30
WNV (IgM) <0.90
Interpretive Criteria
WNV Ab (IgG)
<1.30 Antibody not detected
1.30-1.49 Equivocal
≥1.50 Antibody detected
WNV Ab (IgM)
<0.90 Antibody not detected
0.90-1.10 Equivocal
>1.10 Antibody detected
Test results above the reference ranges are considered positive and indicate the presence of antibodies to the virus and a West Nile Virus infection.
Low test results indicate that you do not have the disease.
IF MY TEST RESULTS ARE POSITIVE, WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE?
Please consult with your Primary Care Physician or Infectious Disease Specialist if your test results are positive.
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