Blood donor in North Carolina produces fourth presumptive case of West Nile Virus

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The first presumptive case of West Nile Virus in the Triangle is being reported by the CDC. The agency says it came from a blood donor in Durham County.

Across North Carolina, there have been three confirmed cases, with a case in each of Buncombe, Cleveland, and Rutherford counties. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says there were also three probable cases of the virus in Columbus County.

“I don’t typically spray with any kind of repellant, but I may start doing that,” said Michael Mantini when he learned about the Triangle’s first presumptive case.

According to DHHS, most people infected with WNV don’t develop any symptoms. The CDC says only about 20% of patients have a fever or other symptoms, including headache, rash, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Less than 1% of cases, the CDC says, develop serious and potentially deadly symptoms. DHHS says only neuroinvasive, more serious illnesses that impact the brain and spinal cord, are reportable in North Carolina.

So far this year, the CDC has reported 289 cases of WNV across the country. DHHS encourages anyone going out in an area where mosquitoes could be present to wear insect repellant with Deet.

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