Hurricane Florence and the tropical rains are over, but standing water in low-lying areas and containers has resulted in an influx of unwanted visitors -- large broods of large mosquitoes. While most mosquitoes are just a nuisance, North Carolina has as many 39 species of mosquitoes, and several are competent carriers of virus that make humans and horses sick. La Crosse encephalitis, West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis are very serious illnesses. These viruses live in many animals, like birds, and the viruses multiply in them. When the weather is still warm and humid, the conditions are right for viruses to thrive and for mosquitoes to be out on the hunt for a blood meal. This will happen at least until the temperature drops off, which could be at least another month away.
The Orange County Health Department wants residents and visitors of the area to follow the recommendation of NCDHHS to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
Please contact the Orange County Health Department for site specific recommendations or more information.
Orange County has created a special page on our website with information about eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitos and protecting yourself if you must be outside. Visit www.orangecountync.gov/mosquitoes.