West Nile Virus cases on the rise in North Carolina

GREENVILLE, N.C (WNCT) — Health officials with the State of North Carolina is reporting three cases of the West Nile Virus just this month, including one in Beaufort County.

The virus is contracted from mosquitoes and the State Department of Health and Human Services is now investigating these cases. West Nile Virus is contracted from infected mosquito bites.

Experts said mosquito numbers are especially high during the end of summer when peak hurricane season arrives. Mosquitoes find stagnant water and excess water left from storms so that they can breed.

Especially with one case in the county, Beaufort County Health Director, Janell Octigan, said it’s important to combat mosquito breeding. “Over the last two months, we have had a case of West Nile Virus,” she said. “West Nile Virus is something we actually see annually. It’s very common at this time of year. This is actually peak season around this time. That’s why we are out with at least three trucks a day spraying around the county.”

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