Death may occur in some instances. West Nile encephalitis is NOT transmitted from person to person. For example, you cannot get West Nile virus from touching or kissing a person who has the disease, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease. Usually 5 to 15 days. Most mosquitoes are not infected with the 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. Therefore, less than 1 in 1,000 of people infected with West Nile virus die.