The New York City Health Department Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes. SLE is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites humans.
Infections vary widely in severity.
Most people who are infected have no symptoms or may experience a fever and headache before fully recovering. In some individuals, particularly the elderly or infants, SLE can be a serious disease that affects the central nervous system. At its most serious, the disease can cause permanent neurological damage and it can be fatal. Symptoms generally occur five 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, muscle aches, stiff neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, or death. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during evening and night time hours.