Forsyth County resident contracts West Nile virus: officials

FORSYTH COUNTY, North Carolina —

Forsyth County health officials reported a human case of West Nile virus on Saturday.

According to the Forsyth County Public Health Department, an area resident contracted the virus from an infected mosquito. Officials said the Department of Public Health previously confirmed that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were already present in Forsyth County.

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“Residents can take simple steps to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus by preventing mosquito bites and eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed,” said Forsyth County Health Director Joshua Swift. “One of the most important things residents can do is dump and dispose of standing water around their home. »

Officials say West Nile virus is not spread through casual person-to-person contact. They said that most infected people do not develop symptoms – except in rare cases where those who do will experience the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Joint pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

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Officials said older adults and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness from West Nile virus, which could affect the brain and nervous system.

To learn more about West Nile virus and mosquito prevention, visit the CDC website here and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website here.

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