Rehabilitation of West Nile Fever (WNF) encephalitis in elderly

In the summer of 2000, an outbreak of WNF affected Israel. Thirty-two elderly patients were admitted to Meir Hospital. WNF encephalitis may result in residual functional damage. However, little information is available regarding the rehabilitation of these patients. Five elderly subjects with residual functional damage were referred to geriatric rehabilitation. Patients were treated with the routine program for neurological rehabilitation after stroke, including daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy. All five were over 77 years and independent before admission. The mean FIM score on admission was 71 (S.D. = ±8.5) and increased to 102 (S.D. = ±14) on discharge. MMSE on admission was 60% (S.D. = ±7.5%), and increased to over 90% on discharge in all of the patients. Clock Completion Test was normal in four on admission, and improved to normal in the fifth patient on discharge. WNF encephalitis may present with functional and intellectual impairment in the elderly. Routine geriatric neurological rehabilitation may benefit those with prolonged functional decline.