The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first fatality of 2015 in relation to the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus, according to a press release from NC DHHS. The state health organization is urging residents across the state to take precaution to prevent infection through the late summer and early fall months.
“We see most cases of mosquito-borne illness in the months from August through October,” says Dr. Carl Williams, state public health veterinarian, in the press release. He adds that “you can still enjoy your time outdoors by following some basic control measures.”
Details of the deceased victim’s case have not been released due to patient confidentiality regulations.
State DHHS recommends using mosquito repellent containing DEET or a similar formula when outdoors, especially around areas of standing water such as ponds, birdbaths, marshes and pools, though it cautions that residents should use care when applying repellent to children.
In addition, North Carolinians should repair any torn or damaged window or door screens to keep mosquitoes from entering a home and are encouraged to empty any outside vessel or container which holds standing water when possible.
While West Nile Virus usually goes undetected or causes mild flu-like symptoms, a very small percentage of infections can lead to fatal conditions related to encephalitis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis. West Nile Virus cases are most common between the months of August through October, according to Williams.
Since 2010, thirteen cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in North Carolina.
For more information on West Nile Virus and ways you can prevent mosquito proliferation, bites and infection, see the official press release below or visit ncdhhs.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=58ec19aaea4630b1baad0e5e4&id=29fbb1c621&e=a40b04c478 and cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.
Press Release:
RALEIGH, N.C. – Health officials from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health encourage residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne illness following a death from West Nile virus infection. This is North Carolina’s first death and first confirmed case in 2015. Further details regarding the deceased are not available to protect patient confidentiality.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus infection usually cause either no symptoms or mild, flu-like illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. However, it can cause more serious conditions, including encephalitis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis in about 1 percent of cases which can be fatal. West Nile virus is one of several mosquito-borne viruses known to occur in North Carolina, in addition to eastern equine encephalitis and La Crosse encephalitis. There have been 13 cases reported from 2010 through 2014.
“This is a tragic reminder that these infections, though relatively rare, can be fatal,” said Dr. Carl Williams, State Public Health Veterinarian. “We see most cases of mosquito-borne illness in the months from August through October but you can still enjoy your time outdoors by following some basic control measures.”
DHHS recommends the following precautions:
Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (or equivalent) when exposed to mosquitoes. Use caution when applying to children.
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.
For more information on prevention of mosquito bites visit: http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/arbo/prevent.html and http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.
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