Long-term outcome of patients with West Nile virus infection

To determine the long-term sequelae of the West Nile virus, 22 patients were reassessed 18 months after hospitalization with an acute central nervous system infection. Mortality was 32% and tended to correlate with neuromuscular weakness [OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 0.53-58.3; P = 0.17] and respiratory failure [OR = 24.0; 95% CI = 1.56-814; P = 0.007]. Most survivors regained independence although common residual symptoms included neuropsychiatric complaints and weakness.