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neurologic, rare complications include myocarditis, and pancreatitis (Pletnev et al.,1992). In the Central African Republic, WNV has been responsible for cases ofhepatitis including fatal disease resembling YF (Georges et al., 1988). Clinicallaboratory findings include leukopenia' and in cases with CNS signs, CSFpleocytosis and elevated protein. According to New York Health, (2004), at its mostserious, WNV can cause permanent neurological damage and death (Monath andHeinz, 1996).Inapparent and very mild infections are common. In the series of cancerpatients intentionally inoculated, (Southam and Moore, 1954) 89% of 78 infectedpatients had no clinical signs or symptoms other than fever, in 72%, fever did notexceed 1°F.2.4.4 TIlE EXTERNAL HAUITATS OF WEST NILE VIRUSThe ecological habitats in which virus transmission occurs include coastalplains and river delta areas, forests, semi-arid areas andhighland plateaus. The rangeof WNV is determined by the habitat needs of the host and vector species and the.viral range has the potential to expand wherever suitable vectors and definitive hostsco-exist and where an infected vector or host can reach (McLean et al., 2002). Theseauthors further stated that the habitat Biornes where the virus appears to be able toreplicate and transfer between species sufficiently well to become permanentlyestablished in Biome(become Endemic) include the following:a) Permanent poolb) Transient waterc) Flood waterd) Artificial containers andTree holes2.4.5 TREATMENT OF WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTIONTreatment is supportive, often involving hospitalization, intravenous fluids,respiratory support and prevention of secondary infections for patients with severedisease (Kightlinger, 2003). Ribavirin in high doses and interferon alpha-2b werefound to have some activity against WNV and other flaviviruses in vitro (Jordanet.al, 2000),' but there are no preclinical data to support its use in the treatment ofhuman disease, 'and attempts to treat Flavivirus infections in animals (including YF46