Although there have been no cases reported in Sampson County,
the potential for the West Nile virus is here and county
residents are urged to take precautions to prevent exposure. The
North Carolina Public Health website describes the West Nile
virus (WNV) as a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious,
life-altering disease that is potentially fatal. Individuals get
WNV through the bite of an infected mosquito. In a very small
number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood
transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and, during
pregnancy, from mother to baby. It is not spread person-to-
person by casual contact. The website further explains that most
people infected with WNV will have no symptoms at all. Some
people will have mild symptoms, such as fever, nausea and rash
and some will develop serious disease that can include high
fever, convulsions, paralysis and, in some cases, lasting
neurological effects. People who develop symptoms of severe WNV
illness, such as unusually severe headaches or