MG may follow West Nile virus
 

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/807230
"Myasthenia Gravis May Follow Infection by West Nile Virus"

Note: Medscape requires registration, but it's free.

Sorry, I goofed up the title of the thread--don't see a way to edit it

Do you want me to fix the spelling in your title? Just ask, and it shall be done...;)

Interesting.....:)

Yes, please! My fingers move faster than my brain. :)

Abby

Title spelling is now fixed! ;)

The article is interesting, but I don't think that it is conclusive. Any stressor can set of a case of MG in someone that may get it soon. If the WNV is the cause of MG, then we should see a pretty good epidemic coming up soon. There were 5,674 cases of WNV reported in the US last year.

West Nile Virus for 2012 CDC Report

WNV and MG
 

In August, 2010, my husband had a hemorrhagic stroke which affected the right side of his body. In August, 2011, he contracted West Nile Virus which left him with a polio-like effect, affecting the left side of his body worse than the already damaged right side. A few months later, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis which not only affected the weakened muscles more, but also breathing. So, yes, in our case, and from what the Infectious Disease doc said, the WNV can trigger MG. Living proof here. August, 2013 is coming up. We're holding our breath!

Wow. And you are in Georgia like me. It makes me wonder about WNV for sure. If I ever had it, I didn't know that I did.

Interesting - I have heard that many autoimmune disorders seem to have some sort of trigger that precedes them, like West Nile or Lyme. My husband had a bout with Lyme just prior to having his first MG symptoms.

Well - there ya go! He's not the only one I've heard of getting MG after some of these nasty viruses and other diseases (like Lyme).

Just heard on the news a few days ago that the first case of WNV in GA was reported. Take it seriously folks!! It's an insidious disease. Some people may have no symptoms, some may have mild symptoms, and in less than 1%, like my husband, the virus can cause serious infections in the brain (encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, or meningitus - the one my hubby had along with West Nile poliomyelitis and acute flaccid paralysis. Didn't know if he would make it through all that, and NOW, Myasthenia has reared its ugly head. Should be bitter, but ya know, he's still here and we find little blessings everyday to be grateful for!

This is very interesting...while I have had minor MG symptoms for about a year, it wasn't until I got a nasty virus in April that the MG kicked in full. I had swollen glands and a nasty headache for about a week, no tests, whatever it was ran its course. After that though all of the MG symptoms really started.

Not sure it was WNV but a virus is some sort set this off.

Joe