A person living in Chatham County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV), a potentially serious illness transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The individual was symptomatic prior to recent severe weather events, so this case is not a result of mosquito activity related to flooding. This is the first human case in the Coastal Health District in 2024.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of people who get WNV won’t have any symptoms. Those who do become sick typically develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. However, about 1 in 150 will develop severe symptoms affecting the central nervous system, which could be fatal.
There is no vaccine to prevent WNV, and no treatment other than supportive care for the symptoms. The Coastal Health District is urging everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes that carry WNV are more likely to bite during the evening, night, and early morning. Wearing insect repellent containing the chemical DEET will help keep mosquitoes away. Eliminate standing water around the home and yard to keep mosquitoes from breeding.
Tip containers such as children’s toys, flowerpots, and planters after every rain or at least once a week, and toss out anything that holds water, such as old tires or cans. Also, clean out gutters, remove piles of leaves, and keep vegetation cut low to reduce landing sites for adult mosquitoes.
The Five D’s of mosquito bite prevention can also help prevent mosquito bites and breeding:
- Dusk/Dawn: Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
- DEET : Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
- Drain: Empty any containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flowerpots, tarps – because they are breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
- Doors: Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
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