Two West Nile Virus Deaths Reported in North Carolina

North Carolina health officials reported that two adults from the central part of the state died after being infected with West Nile virus. The state Department of Health and Human Services said the deaths underscore a rise in cases, with 2026 on track to be the second-highest year on record after 2024, according to local reports.

Mosquito activity remains elevated as warm temperatures persist into mid-October. > "As long as the weather stays warm and what I mean by warm is over 50s during the day, then the mosquito that carries it will continue to bite," Michael Doyle, state public health entomologist with NCDHHS, told WTVD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Most infections are asymptomatic, but about 20% of patients develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting or rash within two to six days after a bite. While most recover, weakness and fatigue can linger for weeks or months. No specific medication exists; mild cases are managed with rest, hydration and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Approximately one in 150 infected individuals develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal. The CDC estimates around 2,000 U.S. diagnoses annually, though the true number is likely higher because many cases go unreported. Each year, more than 1,300 people experience severe central nervous system involvement.