West Nile Virus Claims Two Lives in North Carolina Amid National Surge
The state has reported 15 cases of the mosquito-borne illness, mirroring a broader increase in infections across the U.S.
Two residents of North Carolina have died from West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness that is experiencing a surge across the United States. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the deaths but did not release further details.
Local reports indicated several cases of West Nile virus in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties in August and around Labor Day. The first reported case in the state this season was in Gaston County in early August. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 15 cases of West Nile virus in North Carolina.
Nationwide, cases of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, are increasing. Factors such as warmer temperatures, urban expansion, and global travel are contributing to the spread of these diseases into new regions and in larger numbers than typical. While most West Nile virus infections result in mild or no symptoms, a subset of patients can develop severe neurological complications, including brain swelling, infections, and paralysis.
The virus, transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, is historically more prevalent in Great Plains states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Colorado. However, densely populated areas like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas-Fort Worth also experience high case counts. Many of these regions are seeing an extended mosquito season.
For the majority of infected individuals, West Nile virus causes no symptoms. However, approximately 20% of patients develop symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, and pain behind the eyes. About one in 150 cases progress to a severe, neuroinvasive form of the disease, where the virus affects the central nervous system, leading to meningitis or encephalitis, and potentially paralysis.
According to CDC data, there have been 1,328 reported cases of West Nile virus and 1,004 cases of the neuroinvasive form nationwide, with cases reported in 45 states. This figure is lower than the 2,167 total cases reported last year, which included 1,342 hospitalizations for neuroinvasive disease and 172 deaths.
Individuals at higher risk for severe illness include older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. Survivors of severe West Nile virus infections may experience long-term complications, such as memory issues, chronic fatigue, muscle tremors, or permanent neurological damage.
The CDC recommends preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites, including the use of EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn during peak mosquito season.