Older adults face a higher risk of serious illness, while most people infected with the virus have no symptoms.
A Forsyth resident has West Nile virus, WXII reported Sept. 26, citing county health officials.
State testing had already detected the virus in mosquitoes collected in Forsyth County during July. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported those findings Aug. 5, along with positive mosquito tests in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties. The detections came earlier in the summer than historically reported, the department said.
For residents, especially older adults and people with weakened immune systems, health officials recommend preventing mosquito bites and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Most infections cause no symptoms. About one in five infected people develops fever and other symptoms, which can include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with mild illness recover completely, although fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Serious illness is much less common. NCDHHS estimates that about one in 150 infected people develops a serious neurological illness. The state requires reporting of neurological cases, so its reported case count does not capture every infection.
The risk of severe illness increases with age. People with weakened immune systems or certain chronic conditions also face a higher risk. The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention for high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion or tremors.
Symptoms usually begin two to six days after an infected mosquito bites, although they can begin as late as two weeks afterward or later in people with weakened immune systems. A health care provider can evaluate symptoms and order testing. CDC symptoms guidance
West Nile circulates between birds and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can acquire the virus by feeding on an infected bird and then transmit it when they bite a person. It does not spread through coughing, sneezing or touching.
Reducing exposure at home
The CDC recommends an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent, used according to its label, and loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Repellent should be reapplied as directed. When using sunscreen, apply it before repellent.
Residents should check indoors and outdoors for containers that collect water. At least weekly, empty and scrub, cover, turn over or discard items such as buckets, flowerpot saucers, tires and unused toys. Repairing window and door screens also helps keep mosquitoes outside.
Mosquitoes most commonly associated with West Nile are particularly active between dusk and dawn, according to NCDHHS. The department also recommends checking for standing water after rainfall, maintaining gutters and keeping rain barrels covered with tight-fitting screens or lids. No human vaccine is available.
County help is available
Forsyth County’s Vector Control program traps adult mosquitoes, identifies species and tests groups of mosquitoes for West Nile. The county says those results help guide its response.
Its work also includes identifying mosquito breeding sites, advising property owners and monitoring or treating larger habitats when needed. Residents can contact Environmental Health at 336-703-3225 with mosquito concerns or requests for assistance. Forsyth County Vector Control