Two Die of West Nile Virus in North Carolina

Two West Nile virus deaths in central North Carolina were announced by state health officials, adding to this year’s toll from the mosquito-borne illness. The deaths occurred in mid-September and early October and were announced October 13.

The CDC has recorded 1,172 human cases of West Nile nationwide this year. California leads with 250 cases, with dozens more reported in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and New York.

Who Is Most at Risk

Most people infected with West Nile never develop symptoms, health officials note. But the virus can cause serious neurological disease, and older adults and people with underlying health conditions face the greatest danger.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile, which makes prevention — avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed — the main defense.

How It Spreads

Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected birds and pass it to people through bites. Humans are considered “dead-end hosts,” meaning they cannot spread the infection to others.

With mosquito season winding down, officials are urging residents to take standard precautions seriously and to seek medical care promptly if severe symptoms develop after mosquito exposure.

Source: USA Today