Special to IFN
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has announced the state’s first case of disease associated with West Nile virus in 2025. The case occurred in a resident of Durham County. To protect the patient’s privacy, no further information will be provided.
West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes were also recently identified through routine monitoring in Pitt County. This mosquito testing is part of a collaboration between Pitt County Vector Control and NCDHHS to prevent transmission of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
“This is the time of year when West Nile virus activity typically increases across North Carolina,” said Emily Herring, NCDHHS Public Health veterinarian. “This recent case highlights the importance of preventing mosquito bites to reduce the risk of infection.”
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious, life-altering disease or death. Only cases of neurologic illness are reportable in North Carolina. The virus is carried by wild birds and can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. It does not spread from person to person.
Most people infected with West Nile virus will not experience any symptoms, but about one in five people infected will develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches and joint pain.
About one in 150 people will develop a serious neurologic illness and symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, and paralysis. Elderly people and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe illness due to West Nile virus infection.
If you are ill and suspect you may be infected with West Nile virus, contact your health care provider.
Not all mosquitoes can infect people with West Nile virus, but the mosquitoes that most commonly transmit the virus can be found statewide and are most active between dusk and dawn.
PREVENTION TIPS
Follow these tips to prevent mosquito bites and reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
♦ When spending time outdoors, use an EPA-registered insect repellent and wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Remember to always follow label instructions when using these products.
♦ Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
♦ Prevent water from collecting in containers around your home. After every rainfall, tip out any containers that can hold water, even a small amount, such as saucers under flowerpots. Cover, turn over or throw away items like toys, buckets and tires. Change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least twice a week.
♦ Keep gutters clean and in good repair and replace corrugated downspout extensions with smooth extensions to prevent mosquito larvae from growing.
♦ Make sure rain barrels have tight-fitting screens or lids.
♦ Treat standing water in containers and low areas around the home with EPA-approved larvicides. Many options are available that last for weeks to months.
♦ When possible, drain any standing water on your property such as puddles and ditches that hold water for more than four days after rain.
♦ Use screened windows and doors, and make sure screens fit tightly and are not torn.
LEARN MORE
For more information, visit the NCDHHS West Nile Virus webpage or the CDC West Nile virus webpage and learn more about preventing mosquito bites.