BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC (WLOS) — Health officials are educating the community about potential exposure to mosquito-borne diseases in Buncombe County.
Ellis Matheson, director of public health for Buncombe County Health and Human Services, says that while there is a low percentage of cases in Buncombe County, it is best to be prepared.
“Since the beginning of 2019, Buncombe County has reported nine cases of encephalitis and one case of West Nile virus. It is important that people know how to protect themselves from mosquito bites in the first place,” she said.
Matheson said West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus and another name for it is arbovirus.
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“There are three different major arboviruses that are transmitted to humans and animals by various types of mosquitoes in North Carolina. Those three viruses are West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and La Crosse encephalitis. Those viruses are reportable diseases in North Carolina,” she said.
Ryan Morton, owner of Mosquito Joe’s in Asheville, said there are symptoms to watch for.
“Although in most cases you do not develop any symptoms, others may suffer from headaches, body aches, joint pain and, in severe cases, meningitis or encephalitis, which we see from time to time,” he said.
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Morton recommends staying informed and taking steps to protect yourself and your family.
“Your best protection is to eliminate and reduce the number of mosquito bites. This can be done by reducing the number of breeding sites on site. You can use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing or contact a service professional,” he said.
According to the CDC:
- There is no specific treatment for the disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV).
- No vaccine against WNV is licensed for use in humans.
- Prevention of WNV disease depends on community-based mosquito control programs, personal protective measures, and screening of blood and organ donors.
- Patients with WNV disease should not donate blood for four months after their illness.
More information is available on the CDC Website.
