West-Nile virus encephalitis in immunocompetent pediatric patients: 2 case reports and review of the literature

Authors

  • A Elleuch (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author
  • S Bouzid (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author
  • M Hsairi (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author
  • M Loukil (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author
  • M Feki (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author
  • L Gargouri (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author
  • A Mafhfoudh (1) Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. (2) Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Author

Keywords:

West Nile Virus, encephalitis, immunocompetent, children, North Africa

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic agent causing life-threatening encephalitis. Its neuro-invasive presentation is an emerging disease in North Africa. We report on two cases of West Nile encephalitis in immunocompetent patients: one 6-year-old child with fatal evolution and one 2-year-old infant with complete recovery. Given its non-specific clinical presentation, neuro-invasive WNV infection should always be suspected in pediatric patients living or traveling in endemic areas presenting with meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis during WNV transmission season.

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Published

2021-06-30

Issue

No. 22 (2021): April / June 2021

Section

Case Report

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