
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A New Hanover County resident has recently died from the West Nile virus, officials confirmed today.
On Tuesday, the county issued a press release, citing a recent North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) study that confirms the individual tested positive for the deadly virus.
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After Hurricane Florence and Michael, many communities conducted in mosquito-spraying activities. Now, according to county spokesperson Jessica Loeper, mosquito season is ending.
“The colder temperatures have decreased mosquito populations significantly and New Hanover County’s mosquito season is ending, so the public should not be alarmed,” Loeper wrote in the release.
Both Loeper and a spokesperson for DHHS said they could not disclose any details about the case because it is confidential.
New Hanover County Public Health Director Phillip Tarte said the department will continue to monitor area mosquito populations and raise awareness about mosquito prevention.
“These infections are rare, but this is a reminder that the risk is present,” Tarte said in the release. “We encourage residents to continue taking precautions when they are outside and be vigilant to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
More information on mosquito control can be found here.
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