What is commonly associated with the West Nile virus?

The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. When discussing the common associations with this virus, high fever and meningitis are significant concerns.

In many cases, individuals infected with West Nile virus may experience flu-like symptoms, which can escalate to high fever. Furthermore, one of the more serious outcomes of the infection can be neuroinvasive disease, which includes conditions such as meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, is a serious condition that can result from the West Nile virus, highlighting the importance of recognizing high fever as a critical symptom associated with the virus.

In contrast, the other options are more characteristic of different medical conditions and are not typically linked to West Nile virus infections. Skin rashes and blisters, severe abdominal pain, or respiratory symptoms like watery eyes and sneezing, do not originate from West Nile virus but are often related to other viral or bacterial infections. Thus, understanding the primary health risks associated with the West Nile virus emphasizes the significance of high fever and potential complications like meningitis.