*4.5. Histopathology*

Formalin-fixed tissue samples were trimmed, embedded in paraffin, and processed to obtain hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. These were independently examined by two different investigators (UH and VG) to determine the presence of WNV-associated lesions. When lesions were present, they were graded according to their distribution (focal, multifocal, or diffuse) and severity (mild, moderate, or marked).
