Routine Test Detects West Nile Virus in Mosquito Trap in Pitt County
County Vector Control/City of Greenville partnering to spray the affected area
On Friday, July 25, 2025 Pitt County Vector Control received a confirmed test result for West Nile Virus (WNV) from the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health. Pitt County Vector Control routinely collects mosquito samples and send to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health for testing. West Nile Virus was found in routine monitoring of mosquito samples located in the Old Pactolus area west of Sunnyside Road.
Pitt County Public Health collaborated with State and City of Greenville officials on the protocol response to treat a two-mile radius of the trap location with adulticide to reduce the adult mosquito population. Pitt County Vector control and the City of Greenville are partnering to spray in two intervals for effective population reduction. The first application concluded on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The second application is planned to be completed by Saturday, August 2, 2025, weather permitting.
North Carolina pesticide regulations require spraying for mosquitoes be conducted after sunset or prior to sunrise. For proper application, trucks spraying must travel at a slow rate of speed. Pitt County officials remind the public to be cautious of spraying vehicles and maintain a distance of 100ft.
“Finding the virus in a mosquito sample does not mean humans or pets have been infected,” says Wes Gray, Pitt County Health Director. “Early detection by conducting routine sampling is a crucial step in preventing transmission in humans and pets. We encourage residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes.”
Mosquitoes are responsible for circulating WNV in the wild bird population and transmitting it to humans. Individuals should take steps to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes during outside activities, especially during dusk and dawn. Below are tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors, which also repels ticks. Follow product directions.
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, or stay indoors during these hours.
- Use the tip and toss method weekly, and after every heavy rainfall. Tip out water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, buckets and any containers that can hold water.
- When possible, drain any standing water on your property such as puddles and ditches that hold water for more than four days after rain.
- In containers that cannot be drained or dumped, treat with a product to kill the larvae. Samples of the larvicide can be picked up for free at Pitt County Environmental Health, 1825 People’s Way, Greenville, NC 27834 or the Pitt County Health Department, 201 Government Circle, Greenville, NC, 27834, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Store out-of-service or unmounted tires under cover to prevent the collection of any water.
- Change the water in bird baths and pet bowls at least twice a week.
- Keep gutters clean and in good repair and repair leaky outdoor faucets.
- Make sure rain barrels have tight-fitting screens or lids.
- Use screened windows and doors; make sure screens fit tightly and are not torn.
On rare occasions (approximately 1%) people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, paralysis and death. Most people infected with WNV recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
There is no vaccine for WNV in people, but vaccines are available to prevent WNV in horses. If you are a horse owner, consult your veterinarian regarding proper protective vaccines for your horses and change the water in water troughs at least twice a week to discourage mosquito breeding.
Residents who may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, should contact their healthcare provider.
For more information, contact Vector Control at 252-902-3210 or visit www.PittCountyNC.gov/Mosquito.