West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Lenoir County Resident
PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION RELEASE
Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Lenoir County
The Lenoir County Health Department received notice of a case of West Nile Virus in a resident that had been exposed to mosquito bites.
Pamela Brown, Health Director
West Nile Virus (WNV) is commonly spread through a bite from an infected mosquito. “Since we have identified a case in a Lenoir County resident, we are concerned that more mosquitos in the county are carrying this virus,” Pamela Brown, Health Director.
West Nile Virus can cause serious illness with symptoms including high fever, headache, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and neck stiffness. Most people do not experience any symptoms and will recover by staying hydrated and resting. If you think you or a family member may be infected or are experiencing symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.
The best way to protect yourself from West Nile and mosquito bites is by:
Using an EPA-registered insect repellent with active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 1-undecanone
Wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants
Treating clothing and gear with permethrin (an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes)
Taking steps to control mosquitoes by:
Keeping windows and doors shut and ensuring screens have no holes.
Emptying items that hold water, like vases and flowerpot saucers, once a week.
Treating outdoor areas using larvicides for large containers of water not used for drinking that cannot be covered or dumped out.
Spraying outdoor patio furniture or garages with insect spray where mosquitoes rest.
Always following label instructions.
For questions or concerns, please call the Lenoir County Health Department at 252-526-4200.
