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[Second epidemic of West Nile virus meningoencephalitis in Tunisia]

W Hachfi1, I Bougmiza, F Bellazreg

  • 1Service de médecine interne et maladies infectieuses, CHU Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie. hachfi wissem@hotmail.com

Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|January 19, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

West Nile virus (WNV) meningoencephalitis re-emerged in Tunisia in 2003. This study details the epidemiological, clinical, and biological features of 21 WNV neurological disease cases in central eastern Tunisia.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • West Nile virus (WNV) re-emerged in Tunisia in 2003, leading to an outbreak of meningoencephalitis.
  • Central eastern Tunisia experienced a significant WNV outbreak in 2003.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the epidemiological, clinical, biological, and imaging characteristics of WNV-associated neurological disease.
  • To document the first cases of WNV meningoencephalitis in the Sousse area.

Summary:

  • A retrospective study analyzed 21 patients with WNV neurological disease (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis) in the Sousse area.
  • Clinical features included varying presentations, age differences between meningitis and encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis in some.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid showed lymphocytosis, elevated protein, and normal glucose; neuroimaging was normal. Mortality was low.

Impact:

  • The findings highlight the re-emergence of WNV infection in Tunisia.
  • The study underscores the need for enhanced preventive measures and epidemiological surveillance for WNV.

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