In a notable development, North Carolina has reported its first West Nile virus-related disease case for the year 2026. This case has been detected in a Gaston County resident, while a blood donor in Mecklenburg County has also tested positive during routine screenings. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is currently investigating, but further details remain confidential to protect individual privacy.
Throughout July, the NCDHHS State Laboratory of Public Health identified West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected from Cabarrus, Forsyth, and Mecklenburg counties. Intriguingly, these findings surfaced earlier in the season compared to previous years.
NCDHHS maintains vigilant monitoring of the West Nile virus across the state, tracking human cases and positive blood donations. Collaborating with local health departments and vector control teams, they test mosquitoes for West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases. All findings are subsequently reported to the national VectorSurv network.
“This is the time of year when West Nile virus activity usually increases across our state,” said Michael Doyle, NCDHHS Public Health Entomologist. “These early indicators in the greater Charlotte area highlight the importance of preventing mosquito bites all over North Carolina.”
The virus primarily spreads to humans via infected mosquito bites, originating from wild birds. It is noteworthy that West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person.
While most infected individuals remain asymptomatic, about 20% may develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and joint pain. A rare few, approximately one in 150, might suffer from more severe symptoms, including high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, and paralysis. Only cases involving neurological symptoms are reportable in North Carolina.
Those at an increased risk of severe illness include older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems. Currently, there are no vaccines for humans against West Nile virus, nor are there specific treatments available for the disease. Anyone suspecting an infection should consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are prevalent across the state, especially active from dusk until dawn. To mitigate the risk of bites and virus exposure, consider the following preventive measures:
- Apply mosquito repellent while outdoors when mosquitoes are active:
- Choose an EPA-registered mosquito repellent and use as directed;
- Apply repellent particularly after sunset and reapply as needed according to the label.
- Prevent water accumulation around your home. After rain, empty containers like flowerpot saucers, toys, and tires. Refresh water in birdbaths and pet bowls twice weekly.
- Maintain clean gutters and replace corrugated downspout extensions to deter mosquito larvae growth.
- Ensure rain barrels have tight-fitting screens or lids.
- Treat standing water with EPA-approved larvicides to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
- Drain stagnant water on your property, such as puddles and ditches, within four days of rainfall.
- Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
For further information, refer to the NCDHHS West Nile Virus webpage or the CDC West Nile virus webpage. Additionally, learn more about preventing mosquito bites.
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