Outbreak of West Nile Virus Infection in Kerala

West Nile virus infection may present as encephalitis and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Clinically it is often indistinguishable from other causes of acute encephalitis syndrome. Since the condition is predominantly encountered in Kerala where Japanese encephalitis and Nipah virus infections are also common laboratory testing should include a viral panel for acute encephalitis syndrome. West Nile virus does not replicate in humans and is therefore not transmitted to other insects birds or persons.