Importation of West Nile Virus Infection from Nicaragua to Spain
2008

West Nile Virus Infection Imported from Nicaragua to Spain

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Maillo Begoña Monge, López-Vélez Rogelio, Norman Francesca, de Ory Fernando, Sanchez-Seco María Paz, Fedele Cesare Giovanni

Primary Institution: Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain

Conclusion

The case highlights the potential for new cases of West Nile virus infection to arise outside of traditional high-risk areas.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had lived in Nicaragua and showed symptoms consistent with West Nile virus infection.
  • Serologic tests confirmed the presence of West Nile virus antibodies in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid.
  • The final diagnosis was meningoencephalitis with acute flaccid paralysis due to West Nile virus infection.

Takeaway

A man who lived in Nicaragua got sick and was found to have West Nile virus after being treated in Spain.

Methodology

The patient was diagnosed through serologic tests for West Nile virus antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 51-year-old Spanish male missionary.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1407.071496

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