BOLIVIA — Mosquitoes collected by state officials in Brunswick County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
According to Amanda Hutcheson, spokeswoman for Brunswick County, officials from the State Laboratory of Public Health collected mosquitoes in the central part of the county on Aug. 28.
The particular species of mosquito are known for circulating the virus in the wild bird population but not for biting humans, according to the county.
“West Nile Virus was identified in an adult Ochlerotatus dupreei, a species that is occasionally collected in light traps in Brunswick County. This mosquito is considered a tree canopy mosquito and rarely leaves the deep woodland habitats,” according to the county.
According a release from Brunswick County, “the type of mosquitoes collected are responsible for circulating West Nile Virus in the wild bird population and are not known to bite humans. County mosquito control officials regularly monitor the mosquito species to identify West Nile activity and direct mosquito spraying operations to reduce the risk to the human and horse populations.”
County officials urge individuals to minimize their risk of exposure to mosquitoes especially in early morning and late evening, when the insects are most active. The county also encouraged wearing long-sleeve, light-sleeved shirts and proper use of chemical repellents.
Jeff Brown, mosquito control supervisor for Brunswick County, said urged anyone headed into wooded areas to use additional protection.
“We can address areas that we can access with the mosquito truck, but we cannot effectively address mosquito populations deep in the woods. This is why personal protection measures are so important to hunters and outdoorsmen,” Brown said.
The county also issues a warning for horse owners to consult a veterinarian regarding proper protective vaccines for horses, changing water in troughs at least twice a week to discourage mosquito breeding.
For more information regarding mosquitoes or mosquito control activities in your area, please contact Brunswick County Mosquito Control Division at 910-253-2515 or visit https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/mosquitoes/request/ to submit a mosquito control service request online.
