West Nile virus death reported in southeastern NC

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports an adult in southeastern North Carolina died last week from West Nile virus. It’s the first death from the mosquito-borne illness in the state this year.

DHHS is not releasing more specifics on the case to protect patient confidentiality.

The agency encourages residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne.

“These infections are rare, but this is a tragic reminder that they can be fatal,” State Public Health Veterinarian Carl Williams said in a news release. “We see most cases of West Nile virus from July through November, but you can still enjoy the outdoors by reducing mosquito populations around your home and through proper use of repellents.”

According to the DHHS release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most people who become infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or a mild, flu-like illness. However, about 20 percent of people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In about 1 percent of infections, West Nile virus can cause a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

West Nile virus is one of several mosquito-borne viruses that can be acquired in North Carolina, DHHS says. Other mosquito-borne viruses transmitted in the state that cause human illness include LaCrosse and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses. From 2012-2017, there were 25 reported cases of West Nile virus in the state and seven reported deaths.

According to DHHS, there are no West Nile vaccines licensed for use in humans, and no medications to cure West Nile disease once a person is infected by a mosquito.

DHHS recommends the following precautions:

• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent and apply according the manufacturer’s instructions.
• 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.

More information on the prevention of mosquito bites is available on the Division of Public Health’s website and through the CDC.