Two adults in central North Carolina die from West Nile virus

Two adults from central North Carolina have died after contracting West Nile virus, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The department announced the fatalities on social media Friday.

Case counts and risk factors

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 11 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in North Carolina as of October 6. The state did not release information about where the deaths occurred in central North Carolina.

The CDC reports that older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions are at increased risk for severe outcomes and death. While most infected individuals experience no symptoms, about one in five will develop a fever, headache, body aches and joint pain. About one in 150 people will develop a serious neurological illness with severe symptoms including a high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures and paralysis.

Transmission and treatment

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness carried by wild birds and transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by biting infected birds, where the virus multiplies. The disease does not spread from person to person.

There are currently no human vaccines or specific treatments available for West Nile virus. Dr Cameron Wolfe, an infectious disease expert with Duke Health, said if you get West Nile, you probably won't know it. The CDC lists possible symptoms as flu-like, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Prevention measures

The mosquitoes that most commonly transmit the virus are found statewide and are highly active between dusk and dawn, the department said. The CDC recommends preventing mosquito bites as the best way to protect yourself and loved ones.

Health experts recommend the following protective measures:

• Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-registered mosquito repellent, such as DEET, and reapply regularly, especially after sunset.
• Dress protectively: Wear long sleeves and long pants. Choosing permethrin treated clothing is also recommended.
• Secure your home: Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. Use window and door screens, ensuring they fit tightly and are free of tears.
• Eliminate standing water: Dump containers that collect water after every rainfall, including flowerpot saucers, toys, buckets, and tires. Change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls.
• Maintain home drainage: Keep gutters clean and in good repair. Replace corrugated downsprout extensions with smooth ones to stop larvae growth, and ensure rain barrels have tight-fitting screens or lids.
• Treat persistent water: Use EPA-approved larvicides on standing water in low areas around the home that cannot be drained.

Why it matters

The deaths highlight the ongoing risk of mosquito-borne illnesses in North Carolina. With no vaccine or specific cure available, public health officials emphasize that prevention through mosquito bite avoidance and eliminating breeding sites is the most effective protection against the virus.

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Sources

• wral.com: Two North Carolinians dead from West Nile Virus :: WRAL.com
• yahoo.com: Two NC adults die after contracting West Nile virus, state health department says
• outbreaknewstoday.substack.com: North Carolina officials report two West Nile virus deaths

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.