What to know
The majority of West Nile virus (WNV) disease cases can be diagnosed by testing serum or cerebrospinal fluid for immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies. However, in certain people molecular testing is better. Learn the signs, symptoms, and how to diagnose West Nile virus disease in your patients.
![Doctor looking at a computer](/west-nile-virus/media/images/GettyImages-1420175834-16.9.jpg)
Diagnostic Algorithm
![Image of a PDF infographic showing the potential exposures to West Nile virus, the Risk factors for severe West Nile virus disease, and description of clinical characteristics that could lead to suspected West Nile virus disease. Other possible complications are also included.](/west-nile-virus/media/images/WestNileVirusDiagnosticAlgorithmPage1.jpg)
![Image of a PDF flowchart that follows various pathways for suspected West Nile virus disease that ends in either an alternative diagnosis or West Nile virus disease. Several footnotes at the bottom.](/west-nile-virus/media/images/WestNileVirusDiagnosticAlgorithmPage2.jpg)
West Nile Virus Diagnostic Algorithm
An infographic describing the risk factors, clinical considerations, and diagnostic pathways for West Nile virus.
Spanish West Nile Virus Diagnostic Algorithm
An infographic describing the risk factors, clinical considerations, and diagnostic pathways for West Nile virus in Spanish.