But again, the great majority that become infected have mild symptoms and recover completely. It's highly unlikely. Only if you show symptoms. Most mosquitoes aren't infected with WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases are rare in the New York area. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you develop any severe flu-like symptoms such as high fever, strong headache, or becoming confused or disoriented.
Symptoms generally occur between five and fifteen days after being bitten.
Fatality rates are highest in the elderly. For example, you can't get the West Nile virus from kissing a person who is infected, or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling infected birds, whether they are alive or dead. However, you should always wear gloves or use double plastic bags when handling any dead animal. The virus was first isolated from the blood of a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937.