West Nile virus encephalitis during pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
West Nile virus is an emerging pathogen in the United States. Although most cases are subclinical, serious infection can occur in the form of fulminant meningoencephalitis.


METHODS
We present a case of West Nile virus meningoencephalitis complicating pregnancy. The patient presented in the second trimester with fever, nuchal rigidity, and mental status changes. The diagnosis was made by demonstrating the presence of immunoglobulin M antibody to West Nile virus in the cerebrospinal fluid. Gradual clinical improvement was noted after several days of supportive care. No obvious fetal consequences of infection were noted after birth.


CONCLUSIONS
Obstetricians and health care providers need to be mindful of West Nile virus infection in pregnant women presenting with fever and neurological signs, particularly in endemic areas.
Chapa
Jeff B
JB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. jchapa@babies.bsd.uchicago.edu
Ahn
Jennifer T
JT
DiGiovanni
Laura M
LM
Ismail
Mahmoud A
MA
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014901:West Nile Fever / Q000175:diagnosis*