The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile virus disease for 2025. The case was reported in a resident of Durham County. No further details about the patient have been released to protect their privacy.
Routine mosquito monitoring in Pitt County also recently detected mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus. This surveillance is conducted through a partnership between Pitt County Vector Control and NCDHHS, aiming to prevent the spread of West Nile virus and other diseases carried by mosquitoes.
“This is the time of year when West Nile virus activity typically increases across North Carolina,” said Emily Herring, NCDHHS Public Health Veterinarian. “This recent case highlights the importance of preventing mosquito bites to reduce the risk of infection.”
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes that have fed on infected wild birds. It cannot be passed from person to person. While most people exposed to the virus do not develop symptoms, about one in five may experience fever, headache, body aches, or joint pain. More severe neurological illness occurs in approximately one out of every 150 cases, with symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, or paralysis. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious complications.
Health officials emphasize prevention measures including using EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water around homes—such as in flowerpot saucers, toys, buckets, tires—and change water in birdbaths and pet bowls twice weekly to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Keeping gutters clean and ensuring rain barrels have tight-fitting screens can also help limit mosquito populations.
Mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus are present throughout North Carolina and tend to be most active between dusk and dawn.
Further information on prevention strategies can be found on the NCDHHS West Nile Virus webpage or through resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
