Similar to SLE, West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by the Culex pipiens mosquito, which is active mainly from dusk to dawn. However, in some settings, West Nile virus is also carried by other mosquitoes including the Anopheles mosquito and the Aedes vexans mosquito. Aedes vexans are active during the day. Therefore, as a precaution, we recommend that New York City residents prevent mosquito bites both at dusk and at dawn when mosquitoes are most active, as well as during the day. The symptoms and recovery rate for SLE and West Nile viruses are similar.
Infections vary widely in severity.
Most people who are infected have no symptoms or may experience a fever and headache before fully recovering. At their most serious, these viruses can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Symptoms generally occur 5 to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito, and range from a slight fever or headache to rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation and death. Dr. Cohen concluded. Additionally, the State and CDC are actively involved in selectively conducting tests on dead birds from New York City and surrounding states and counties to discern the potential breadth of a West Nile-like virus.