RALEIGH, N.C. — State health officials in Raleigh, N.C., are warning that West Nile virus transmission is currently high in central North Carolina after two recent deaths linked to the virus, and they tie the elevated risk to prolonged warm weather extending well into mid-October.
Officials said 2024 was the highest year on record for West Nile virus cases, and 2026 is shaping up to be the second highest. The state health department reported that two people from central North Carolina died after contracting West Nile virus.
The state public health entomologist said there were more than 10 other cases in which people were infected by mosquitoes and the virus spread into their central nervous systems, causing brain swelling and other nerve-related damage. Officials noted there is no vaccine available to protect against West Nile virus.
Separate reporting said the Centers for Disease Control reports 11 more cases in the state this year, and Duke Health infectious disease experts noted many infections produce no obvious illness. Possible symptoms listed by the CDC include fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Medical professionals are encouraging residents in Raleigh, N.C., and across central North Carolina to use insect repellent outdoors, remove standing water weekly, and limit evening yard time before and after dusk when the mosquitoes that carry the virus bite most often. Warm daytime temperatures remaining above the 50s keep those mosquitoes active.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals and UNC Rex Healthcare are among the major Wake County health systems residents may turn to if severe symptoms develop, while prevention remains the primary public message from state health leaders.
