In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Death may occur in some instances. I've gotten a mosquito bite. Most mosquitoes are not infected with West Nile virus.
Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare, especially in New York City.
However, you should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light. Patients with mild symptoms should recover completely, and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing. There is no specific therapy. The chances that any one bite will be from an infected mosquito are very small. If outside during evening, nighttime and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long sleeved-shirts, and socks.