I've been bitten by a mosquito. Should I be tested for West Nile Virus?

No. Illnesses related to mosquito bites are still uncommon, and only 20% of people bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile Virus will develop symptoms. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as:

  • Confusion
  • High fever
  • If your eyes become sensitive to light
  • Muscle weakness
  • Severe headaches
  • Stiff neck

Patients with mild symptoms should recover completely, and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing.

Show All Answers

1. What is West Nile Virus?
2. What are the differences between West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and West Nile fever (WNF)?
3. How long has West Nile Virus been in the U.S.?
4. How long has West Nile Virus been in Denton County?
5. How long is the West Nile Virus season in the U.S.?
6. What is the basic transmission cycle of West Nile Virus?
7. What is the incubation period in humans (i.e., time between bite from infected mosquito to appearance of symptoms) for West Nile disease?
8. How long do symptoms last?
9. I think I have West Nile Virus, do I need to report it to the Health Department?
10. I've been bitten by a mosquito. Should I be tested for West Nile Virus?
11. My doctor told me that I have West Nile Virus. How do I report it to the Health Department?
12. Can a human get the virus twice?
13. Is there a human vaccine?
14. What kind of laboratory tests are done to identify the West Nile Virus in humans?
15. How many human cases have there been in the United States? How many deaths?
16. How many human cases have there been in Texas? How many deaths?
17. What is the risk of someone becoming infected with West Nile?
18. In addition to being infected by the West Nile Virus, what else can cause bird "die-offs"?
19. Can dogs, cats and other pets get the West Nile Virus?
20. Is there a vaccine for dogs and cats?