Multiple cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed in North Carolina, according to DHHS.
The health department confirmed to WRAL News, at least three human infections have been reported to the CDC so far this year with additional cases expected in the coming weeks.
Buncombe, Rutherford and Cleveland counties have reported one case each of a human infection. It is unclear if any of those cases required hospitalizations.
DHHS confirms Columbus County is expected to be added to the map in the coming weeks. The health department recently urged residents to take precautions when confirming three cases had been reported since mid-July.
All three cases in Columbus County required hospitalizations which health officials say is rare for WNV infections.
“The majority of people who get infected with West Nile virus, around 80%, will not have any symptoms whatsoever,” said Dr. Ahmad Mourad with Duke Health’s division of infectious diseases. “Around 20% of people who do have symptoms will have a fever, some flu-like symptoms and may have a rash.”
Mourad says those with symptoms typically recover quickly with no long-term impacts.
The doctor shared less than 1% of those infected with WNV will develop severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, found himself in that rare percentage just last week. A spokesperson shared the 83-year-old is now recovering at home after being hospitalized.
As of Wednesday, Durham County was added to the map indicating one case of a presumptive viremic blood donor (PVD). Buncombe also had one PVD case reported.
The CDC states a PVD case occurs when someone doesn’t have symptoms at the time of donation but whose blood then tests positive for WNV during a screening process. It is possible for a blood donor to develop symptoms after donating.
West Nile has been identified in more than 30 states in 2024.
Mosquito-borne illnesses, including WNV and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), occur mostly during summer. DHHS data shows August and September typically see the highest numbers.
Older adults tend to be more at-risk for severe neuroinvasive West Nile virus infections.
Helen Lazear with the UNC Department of Microbiology and Immunology has researched mosquito-borne illnesses in North Carolina for years.
Her lab is currently looking into why viruses, like West Nile, impact humans differently.
“I’m interested in understanding how viruses work: how do they interact with the host they infect and how do they cause disease?” Lazear shared. “One thing my lab is really interested in understanding is why is it that only some people get sick.”
Understanding why humans respond differently to the virus could help researchers better understand what makes the virus spread to the central nervous system in the first place.
When the disease spreads to the brain and spinal cord, infections can lead to things like encephalitis, meningitis or death.
“It can take several days or weeks after a mosquito bite before a person has symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease,” Lazear shared.
The researcher shared it’s still unknown what makes older individuals more prone to serious effects of WNV.
“Some of that might have to do with how the immune response changes as people age, but that’s something people are actively studying to learn more about,” she said.
There is no current West Nile vaccine approved for humans but one has been approved for equine use.
“The real challenge is making a vaccine that you could give to people and know who you should give it to and how it will protect them. Should you give this vaccine to everybody or how would you identify who would most benefit from a West Nile virus vaccine,” Lazear added.
West Nile cases historically have been reported across North Carolina.
Mourad noted hurricane season could increase the number of mosquitoes in more in-land areas due to an increase in rainfall.
“The majority of mosquitoes in the United States do not carry any of these viruses or illnesses,” said Mourad. “I think with certain weather patterns that we’re seeing and increasing temperatures in certain areas, that might increase mosquito breeding.”
Tropical Storm Debby has already brought other environmental impacts to inland areas of North Carolina, including armyworms.
“After a hurricane there might be a lot of standing water which is a great breeding ground for mosquitoes,” Dr. Mourad said. “That’s a reminder for people who may have standing water in their yards to be mindful of mosquitoes.”
Lazear agreed adding, “Even though the kids are back to school, and it feels like summer is done, definitely still keep that bug spray handy.”
The health specialists say bug spray with DEET are the best mosquito deterrents. It’s also advised to wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when hiking to minimize bite risk.
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Publish date : 2024-08-28 07:59:00
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