The NCDHHS said that the West Nile virus caused the first death in the state this year. Health officials said that no other information about the dead person would be given out to protect the privacy of the family.
People are told to take precautions to avoid getting sick from mosquitoes, especially since heavy rain is expected in the next few days. This year, WNV has been found in nine people in North Carolina, and more cases are being looked into. Since 2012, between 0 and 10 cases have been reported each year.
“This is a sad reminder that even though these infections are rare, they can be fatal,” said Michael Doyle, an entomologist for the State Department of Public Health. “Most mosquito-borne illnesses happen between August and October, so we tell people to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.”
The CDC says that most people who get WNV either don’t have any symptoms or have a mild flu-like illness. This is why, for every confirmed case of WNV, there are about 100–150 more infections that aren’t found.
About 20% of infected people will get a fever along with other symptoms like a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In about 1% of cases, the West Nile virus can cause more serious problems, such as encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and even death.
NCDHHS suggests safety measures for West Nile Virus:
- When you are outside, and there might be mosquitoes, use a mosquito repellent with DEET or something similar.
- When using on children, be careful. You can find repellents that will work for you and your family at www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you.
- Set up or fix window and door screens and use them.
- Close doors, including garage doors. Do not leave doors propped open.
- When you can, turn on the air conditioning.
- At least once a week, empty water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, old tires, and birdbaths. This will stop mosquitoes from breeding there.
- This weekend, the state will be hit by the last of Hurricane Ian. People should quickly and safely get rid of any standing water in their homes after the storm passes.
- Talk to your doctor if you think you or a family member might have WNV disease.
More on Health News.
Conclusion on the West Nile Virus
The NCDHHS said that the West Nile virus caused the first death in the state this year. This year, WNV has been found in nine people in North Carolina. Heavy rain is expected in the next few days. People are told to take precautions to avoid getting sick from mosquitoes.
