How dangerous is the west nile virus?

West nile virus: This can be very dangerous as it causes a viral encephalitis. This can result in coma and death.

Most are safe: About 80% of people bit by a mosquito infected with the west nile virus do not get sick, according to the cdc. About 20% will have relatively mild symptoms, such as fever, headache and vomiting. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days or as long as a few weeks. About one in 150 people infected with west nile will develop a severe illness, which can include paralysis, coma or death.