West Nile meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by the West Nile virus. This virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and confusion. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, such as a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid. While most people infected with the West Nile virus do not develop severe illness, those who do may require hospitalization and supportive care to manage symptoms and complications.