If your Child is Bitten by a Mosquito

First, remember that very few mosquitoes are infected with WNV, and that even fewer people actually become ill if they are infected.

Most people infected with the virus experience no illness or mild symptoms such as a slight fever, headache, body aches, a mild rash, or swollen lymph glands. Any symptoms will develop 3 – 15 days after infection.

Children who are bitten by a mosquito do not need to be tested for WNV. However, seek medical attention immediately if the child develops symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck, loss of consciousness, or if his or her eyes become sensitive to light. These more severe symptoms could be signs of encephalitis (swelling of the brain), or meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). These conditions can be very serious, and can possibly lead to death.