Will west nile virus affect the heart or organs?

Yes, West Nile virus (WNV) can affect the heart and other organs. While the majority of WNV infections are mild and cause only flu-like symptoms, some cases can develop serious complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). In some cases, WNV can also cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).