Mosquitoes can carry deadly pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that can make you and your family sick. If bitten, you have a one in 300 chance of catching a virus like Zika, Malaria, and West Nile Virus. Although mosquito bites usually don't lead to more than just an itchy patch on your skin, minimizing the chance of getting bitten by one of these insects is the most important method to stay out of harm's way.