A Gastonia man has just become the first person in the state to contract the deadly West Nile virus.
In a press release sent out today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said the Gaston County resident is the state’s first confirmed human case of West Nile virus of 2026. Officials also identified the virus in a Mecklenburg County blood donor during routine screening. No additional details about either person have been released.
The announcement comes as health officials continue finding the virus in local mosquito populations. In recent weeks, mosquito samples collected in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Forsyth counties have all tested positive for West Nile virus.
State officials monitor the virus by tracking both human infections and infected mosquitoes. Current data shows nine mosquito detections across North Carolina currently for 2026.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Most infected people experience no symptoms, while others develop mild flu-like illness, including fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
Although most people recover, the virus can occasionally cause severe neurological illness, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus in humans.
Health officials recommend using natural BTI on standing water to quickly kill mosquito larvae.
They also encourage people wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, essential oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 before going outside on humid days.
