FAQsWhat is the West Nile virus caused by? Are dengue and West Nile virus the same? "Even though the risk is low, health experts recommend the following steps to stay protected:A single-stranded RNA virus from the Flavivirus genus causes West Nile virus. Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, headache, and joint pain, while West Nile virus often presents flu-like or neurological symptoms. West Nile can cause encephalitis or meningitis, which is less common than dengue.Yes, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the UK.