News

West Nile death triggers health warning

By Bill Moss, Published: September 8, 2015

North Carolina's first confirmed death this year from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus prompted state officials to warn residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus infection usually cause either no symptoms or mild, flu-like illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. However, it can cause more serious conditions, including encephalitis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis in about 1 percent of cases which can be fatal. West Nile virus is one of several mosquito-borne viruses known to occur in North Carolina, in addition to eastern equine encephalitis and La Crosse encephalitis. There have been 13 cases reported from 2010 through 2014.

"This is a tragic reminder that these infections, though relatively rare, can be fatal," said Dr. Carl Williams, State Public Health Veterinarian. "We see most cases of mosquito-borne illness in the months from August through October but you can still enjoy your time outdoors by following some basic control measures."

DHHS recommends the following precautions:

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (or equivalent) when exposed to mosquitoes. Use caution when applying to children.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside and if possible, use air conditioning.
• Reduce mosquito breeding by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths at least once a week.

For more information on prevention of mosquito bites visit: http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/arbo/prevent.html and http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.