Health officials from across the state are reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes, pesky insects that can carry a number of diseases and viruses.
NORTH CAROLINA -- Health officials from across the state are reminding people to protect themselves from some of summer's nasty pests. Mosquitoes are not only annoying but can carry illnesses, like the West Nile and the La Crosse viruses.
State public health officials diagnosed the season's first cases of the La Crosse Virus in western North Carolina.
“La Crosse Virus is a mosquito-borne disease. It is a virus which is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.” explained Pam Spence, a Guilford County Health Department official. Early symptoms include headache, fever and nausea, but it can get worse.
"In severe cases, it can attack the central nervous system, the brain and the spinal cord," she said.
With a number of the cases being diagnosed in North Carolina, local health officials are urging prevention.
"In the United States, on average there is about 70 cases," Spence said. "In North Carolina, we have an average of about 20 cases per year."
Spence added that the key to preventing mosquito-borne illnesses starts in your yard by dumping out any standing water.
"Mosquitoes breed in small amounts, just as little as like 2 tablespoons of stagnant water, so it's important to walk around your property and we call it our tip-and-toss program.”
Spence said once the water is gone, you can protect yourself from bites with mosquito repellent, but she points out be careful to read the label to make sure the repellent is the right one for you.
Officials said you can also "fight the bite" by spending less time outdoors, especially in the early morning and evening hours.