West Nile Virus reports increasing in NC

  • Published
  • By 4th Medical Group
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Across the United States the number of West Nile Virus disease cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control is on the rise.

Two of the recent cases resulted in the first deaths in North Carolina caused by WNV since 2005. Approximately 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.

Avoiding mosquito bites is the easiest and best way to prevent WNV. Basic personal preventative measures include:
  • Using insect repellent according to the packaging directions.
  • Staying indoors during dusk and dawn as mosquito activity is high during these times.
  • Wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure.
You can also help protect yourself by ensuring screens on windows and doors are in good condition to keep mosquitoes from entering living areas.

Additionally, limit mosquito-breeding areas, such as standing water from around the home is key to reducing the amount of mosquitoes.

For further information on this topic or other vector-borne diseases, visit the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.