Characteristics of the rash associated with West Nile virus fever

Abstract

We characterized rash in 15 patients with West Nile virus (WNV) fever. Generalized, maculopapular rash typically occurred on days 5-12 of illness. Dysesthesia was reported by 27% of patients, and pruritus by 33% of patients. Because the rash was nonspecific and serologic test results were often negative for WNV at presentation, convalescent-phase testing was frequently required to diagnose WNV fever.