West Nile virus has now been found in nine animals this year inNorth Carolina. Other cases are: blue jay, Cabarrus County, testedpositive Sept. 17; two crows, Camden County, reported Sept. 28; two crows, Currituck County, reported Oct. 9; one crow, Mecklenburg County, Oct. 9; and one horse, Hyde County, Oct. 9.
"It's important that everyone keep the health risks associatedwith West Nile virus in perspective," said Dr. Leah Devlin, statehealth director. "We now know that many people in the northeastwere exposed to the virus and didn't even know it. That's becausemost people who are exposed to the virus never become sick."
The virus may cause flu-like symptoms in humans, such asheadaches, swollen glands and muscle aches, as well as a rash.Although it usually only causes mild symptoms in humans, itoccasionally may cause encephalitis, meningitis or death.
The disease is transmitted to humans when a mosquito bites aninfected birth and then bites a human. It is not known to passdirectly from birds to humans or humans to humans.
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