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West Nile Virus
Texas Children's Hospital Encourages Parents to Keep Watch
Summer's most unwelcome visitor – the mosquito – has returned 
with its nasty bag of tricks, including West Nile virus. Infectious disease specialists at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, are warning parents to be on the lookout for signs of the illness in the nation's youngest residents.
"Although the West Nile virus is not as prominent in kids as in adults, it's important to be acquainted with the symptoms," says Dr. Jeffrey Starke, director of infection control at Texas Children's Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "The signs are distinctly different from those of normal kids' illnesses."
Dr. Starke says symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, the disease's most serious form, include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, an altered mental state, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. In some cases, those infected will also have a skin rash on the body trunk and swollen lymph nodes. "The same symptoms also can indicate meningitis," Dr. Starke says. "In any case, a doctor needs to be seen right away."
Mild case symptoms of West Nile virus will last only a few days, although symptoms of West Nile encephalitis may persist for several weeks. "There is no cure for this mosquito-borne illness," Dr. Starke says. "Once a person is infected, it's important to get supportive care – fluids and prescription drugs such as anti-seizure medicine. Breathing assistance may also be warranted."
