Mecklenburg County health officials are warning residents about increased West Nile virus activity after confirming three human cases. Several mosquito pools collected across the county have also tested positive. Nearby counties are reporting increased activity as well, with Gaston County reporting the highest surge in cases.
West Nile symptoms can include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rashes. No human vaccine or medication currently exists to prevent or cure the disease.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, Mecklenburg County Public Health is urging residents to take precautions outdoors. They 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.
