CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Cabarrus County, prompting health officials to remind residents to take precautions as mosquito activity continues through the summer and fall.
The Cabarrus Health Alliance said mosquitoes collected by Environmental Health staff on July 8, July 16 and July 20 tested positive for West Nile virus. The samples were tested by the State Laboratory of Public Health on July 30.
Officials said detecting West Nile virus in mosquitoes at this point in the season is typical, with the virus generally circulating from July through October.
Health officials are urging residents to reduce their exposure to mosquito bites, particularly around dusk and dawn when West Nile-carrying mosquitoes are most active.
Residents are encouraged to regularly dump standing water from flowerpots, toys, buckets, birdbaths and other containers and to drain areas where water remains for more than four days after rainfall.
Officials also recommend using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants after dark, keeping gutters clean, repairing outdoor leaks and ensuring windows and doors have intact screens.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop noticeable symptoms. About one in five infected people can develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1% of infections result in serious neurological illness, which can include encephalitis or meningitis.
There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus. Cabarrus County residents can obtain mosquito dunks at the Cabarrus Health Alliance’s Brown Mill and Kannapolis locations while supplies last.
Residents can also contact the agency’s Environmental Health Department at 704-920-1207 for mosquito control information or service requests.
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