Mosquito Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Mecklenburg County

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NC — A mosquito confirmed to be carrying West Nile Virus was found in central Mecklenburg County, county officials said Tuesday.

The mosquito was collected on July 14, and the virus was identified in the State Laboratory of Public Health. As of July 20, no Mecklenburg County resident has been infected with neuroinvasive West Nile Virus this year, the county said.

"Mosquitoes are responsible for circulating WNV within the wild bird population and can transmit the virus to humans through a single bite," the county said in a statement.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can seem flu-like, with about one in five infected experiencing a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare occurrences, or in about 1 percent of infections, West Nile virus can cause a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, county health officials said.

Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris recommended the following tips to minimize exposure to mosquitoes, especially during morning and evening hours:

• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions. More informationmay be found here.
• 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.
• If you are a horse owner, consult your veterinarian regarding proper protective vaccines for your horses and change the water in water troughs at least twice a week to discourage mosquito breeding.

SEE ALSO:

• Delta Aquariids, Perseid Meteors In Huntersville: Peak Dates
• Charlotte Site Selected For $200K Lowe's Revitalization Grant
  
• Charlotte Woman Receives Scratch Off Ticket As Gift, Wins $2M
  
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Approve 2022-2023 School Calendar