We've been seeing an increase in the West Nile Virus strain lately, out here in Colorado.
Just in the past 2 weeks, my partner and I, have transported 2 people with WNV. Both were coming out of clinics, were the Pts went in, on advice of those "Dial a Nurse" (
), instead of going to an ER. Both cases were initially diagnosed as being cases of Meningitis, (Headache, stiff neck, fever, general stupor), but it wasn't until their lab work came back, after transporting them to an ER, was it narrowed down to WNV.
In both cases, we transported with isolation precautions, masks over Pt and both my partner and I, because as we were told by the attending Clinic MDs, these Pts had Meningitis.
We also found out today, that one of our coworkers went into a Hospital, with those above symptoms, and was again diagnossed with Meningitis, but later it was reversed to WNV.
Anyone else seeing an increase in WNV in their areas?
Here's the CDC's page on WNV.....
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/west...a/symptoms.htm