First confirmed case there – 5 minutes

80% of West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic, and 20% of infected people develop a flu-like illness with a sudden high fever (= mild West Nile fever), muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Cold symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and skin spots may appear. The incubation period is 2-8 days. The main symptoms usually subside within 7-10 days.

In isolated cases (0.7%), West Nile meningitis or encephalitis occurs. Neurological disorders with blurred consciousness, coordination problems, difficulty swallowing, severe fatigue and dizziness accompanied by behavioral and personality changes are typical symptoms. The result is hepatitis, myocarditis, nephritis, pancreatitis and splenomegaly, as well as a long recovery period. Patients with weakened immunity and people over 50 years of age are more susceptible to the severe form of the disease. (Source: Sozialministerium.at)