Mosquitoes in Brunswick County test positive for West Nile

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — County spokeswoman Amanda Hutcheson said samples in the county show mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for West Nile Virus. She said these types of pests are typically drawn more to dogs and horses, but people should take appropriate precaution in the area.

The news release did not specify where the samples were taken in the county. The samples were taken September 22.

After 10-24 inches of rain, mosquitoes are everywhere in Brunswick County. Mosquito Control Supervisor Jeff Brown says the larvae will start hatching in the northern part of the county first because it got less rain than the south. Some residents are already dealing with it. Lenora Hill says she was covered in mosquitoes while she picked up storm debris in her yard.

“Every time I’d touch leaves it would just make them swarm. I had them landing on my face and biting my on my lips and my nose,” Hill said.

Brown says they will be spraying every night this week, weather permitting. Similar surveying and spraying will happen in other parts other region as well. New Hanover County Environmental Health Supervisor Marie Hemmen said they’re also dealing with the pests and the dangers with them.

“Of course there’s potential for increase disease with that so that’s why we are spraying to protect the public’s health,” Hemmen said.

In Pender County, officials said the trouble spots there are in Hampstead and Currie. They are sending out crews to those areas to spray. Rainy or windy days can inhibit crews from their work.

The County Health and Human Services Executive Director  David Stanley urges residents to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and apply mosquito repellant. If using repellant with DEET, make sure to follow label instructions, and keep DEET out of the eyes, mouth and nose.

“We just can’t stress this message enough – you need to be careful, taking every possible precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” Stanley said.