In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Death may result in some cases. Although there is no specific treatment, medication or cure for the virus itself, the symptoms and complications of the disease can be treated. Most people who get this illness recover from it.
Serious illness is more common in the elderly.
A vaccine for West Nile virus does not exist.