COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) -The Columbus County Health Department is reminding people to take precautions against mosquito bites after recent reports of West Nile Virus in the county.

According to the health department, three cases have been reported in Columbus County since mid-July. Each person was hospitalized due to the virus.

“We urge residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and local governments to implement integrated mosquito management methods for mosquito control,” said Kim Smith, Columbus County Health Director.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who become infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms.

About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness (called neuroinvasive disease) affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). West Nile is not the only mosquito-borne virus in the state. Normally about 20 neuroinvasive cases of La Crosse encephalitis are reported each year in the western part of the state, and there is always a small risk of contracting eastern equine encephalitis in the eastern counties,” the announcement states.

The health department recommends taking precautions to protect against mosquito bites:

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (or equivalent) when outside in areas where mosquitoes might be present.
• Use caution when applying repellent to children. See here for repellants that will work for you and your family.
• Install or repair and use window and door screens.
• Close doors without screens, including garage doors. Do not leave doors propped open.
• Use air conditioning if needed due to a lack of window or door screens.
• Reduce mosquito breeding by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths, etc. at least once a week.
• If you think you or a family member might have WNV disease, talk with your health care provider.

You can learn more about the West Nile virus on the NCDHHS website.

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