West Nile virus has been identified in Mecklenburg mosquitoes

West Nile virus has been identified in Mecklenburg County mosquitos, but no human cases have been identified.

The mosquitos were identified by the NC State Laboratory of Public Health on Tuesday, July 14. West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the contiguous United States, and can cause a variety of symptoms. There is no vaccine or medication specific for the illness.

A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.

West Nile virus can cause severe complications in the form of neuroinvasive disease. While under 1% of cases develop into neuroinvasive disease, around 10% of those cases are fatal, according to the CDC. The odds of developing the neuroinvasive form are higher in older people and the immunocompromised.

There were 11 human infections in North Carolina in 2025, according to a map from the CDC.

West Nile virus in NC

There have been 81 cases in the country so far in 2026, and none in North Carolina, according to the CDC. There were more than 2,000 cases in 2025.

The Charlotte Observer previously covered mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina. The best ways to combat mosquitos are:

• Drain: Do not let standing water stay on your property wherever you can help it. Try to avoid letting water collect in flower pots, buckets, tarps and children’s toys.
• Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants if possible, though the weather may not allow this.
• Defend: Wear EPA approved repellents, like DEET. The EPA has a search tool to help people locate the correct repellents for themselves, depending on the ingredients and duration of time spent outside.

The Mecklenburg Public Health Department also recommends installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.

Mecklenburg Environmental Health Services can be contacted at 980-314-1620.

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