Mecklenburg County officials urge residents to take precautions after West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes - WBTV

What the report says

WBTV reported that Mecklenburg County health officials are advising residents to increase mosquito precautions after West Nile virus was detected for the first time this season in a local mosquito sample. The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed the virus in a pool of mosquitoes collected by Mecklenburg County Public Health, according to the station. The report was published from Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 21.

Crystal Swinger, director of Mecklenburg County Public Health, told WBTV the county wants residents to remember that West Nile virus remains present as mosquito activity increases. County officials emphasized that prevention begins around homes, where mosquitoes can reproduce in stagnant water. They advised residents to inspect yards weekly and remove or clean water-holding items such as buckets, flowerpots, pool covers and clogged gutters.

WBTV also spoke with residents who described using routine prevention measures, including keeping outdoor areas free of standing water and using insect repellent. Officials said people outdoors can lower their risk of bites by applying repellent, choosing lighter-colored clothing when practical and avoiding strongly sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.

The county said it regularly monitors and treats more than 1,200 sites known to hold water over time. Officials encouraged residents to report neighborhood areas where standing water and mosquito problems persist so crews can respond. West Nile virus is commonly spread through infected mosquito bites; while many infections cause no symptoms, public health agencies generally warn that severe illness can occur, particularly among older adults and people with weakened immune systems.