By Jolene FarleyAfter becoming ill in September, I was skeptical, to say the least, when my doctor ordered the blood test for West Nile Virus. The test, used to determine if West Nile antibodies are present in blood, isn’t done until 10 days after onset of symptoms and the results usually aren’t available for two weeks after the blood draw. At 30 weeks into my pregnancy, I understood my doctor’s concerns. I knew I had been sick with unexplained symptoms, but I considered a diagnosis of West Nile Virus farfetched.Even after the call that my test results were positive, I didn’t immediately accept my diagnosis. I continued to hope that the results were a false positive. I had heard that happened sometimes. Part of what baffled me was that I was much less active this year than other years. I didn’t spend as much time outdoors because the summer heat was exhausting and compounded my allergies. I also didn’t remember a mosquito bite. I did kill two mosquitoes in my car, but I don’t recall itching a bite. My doctor’s office offered little information about the test (other than the results) or the virus. A nurse told me that the neonatologist said West Nile doesn’t cross the placenta, yet my doctor delivered another baby with a rash. The mother had contracted West Nile just before delivery.I surfed the internet hoping for some clues on what to expect from West Nile Virus during pregnancy. I found nothing.Finally, I called the Minnesota Department of Health. It quickly became apparent the MDH didn’t have an over abundance of information either. The man on the line asked me to help them. He said officials were establishing a West Nile Registry and my information could be important.I asked him what the odds were of a false positive test result. He said test results aren’t questioned if the test was done at a state laboratory. My test was completed at the South Dakota State lab. So much for my false positive hopes.Last year, there were only four reported cases of West Nile involving pregnancies in the whole United States, this year there are 45. I am the only case in Minnesota.I am feeling better myself, but I worry periodically about my unborn child. We won’t know anything about the health of my child for certain until after she is born.After delivery, we will provide samples of blood, placenta, and breast milk to the MDH. If the baby tests positive and was infected in the womb, we will provide information about the baby’s health at one month, six months and one year following birth. I am fine with sharing this information. They aren’t asking for invasive procedures for my baby and me, just samples and questions. In some respects, I consider myself lucky.My symptoms included a sore throat, severe fatigue and a rash. Many West Nile victims complain of intense headaches and fever. I was sick for about a week, some West Nile victims are ill much longer.Lets pray I can continue to consider myself lucky after the baby is born.It is unfortunate this incident occurred during my pregnancy, adding … worry, worry, worry … to my already long, hormone-induced range of emotions.
