West Nile virus-associated optic neuritis and chorioretinitis.

Purpose: To report the new ocular and neurologic features of West Nile virus (WNV) meningoencephalitis.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 55-year-old woman presented with headache, stiff neck, visual loss, and fever 10 days after a weekend camping trip. Examination revealed vitritis, creamy yellow circular chorioretinal lesions, and peripheral visual field loss.

Results: Laboratory investigation indicated the patient was suffering from WNV meningoencephalitis with neuro-ocular involvement.

Conclusion: Ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists should recognize that the WNV infection spectrum may include ophthalmic findings, specifically optic neuritis and multifocal chorioretinitis.