TIRR Memorial Hermann and the Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Network offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals who have been affected by the West Nile Virus (WNV). We offer individualized treatment programs that give patients, their families and caregivers the opportunity to participate in important life roles and enhance their quality of life.
WNV is a virus that infects humans (and animals) after being bitten by various types of infected mosquitoes. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. Up to 20% will have mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. And about 1 in 150 will develop severe illness, with symptoms that can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, utilizing specialized laboratory tests of blood and/or spinal fluid. These tests typically detect antibodies that the immune system makes against the viral infection.
Through our inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, we help individuals with WNV overcome their challenges, including:
Patients who suffer from these symptoms can benefit from our highly specialized multidisciplinary team approach to improve their quality of life. We maximize patient outcomes by providing:
We have a knowledgeable outpatient interdisciplinary team that may include:
Additional team members of an inpatient stay may include:
To make a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 1 (800) 44-REHAB (73422), (713) 797-5942, fax (713) 797-5988 or fill out our online forms by clicking the buttons below.
If you have questions or are looking for more information, please complete the form below and we will contact you.