Mosquito-Borne Diseases in NC & VA: What Families Need to Know

It’s no secret—mosquitoes are more than just backyard annoyances. In North Carolina and Virginia, they can also pose real health risks. For families enjoying summer BBQs, outdoor games, or just a night on the porch, knowing how to protect your loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases is crucial. Let’s break down the key risks, the science behind mosquito diseases, and what you can do to stay safe—without making it feel like you need a biology degree to understand it.

While not every mosquito bite leads to illness, these are the main diseases found in our region:

Mosquito Diseases in North Carolina & Virginia

West Nile Virus (WNV)

West Nile Virus is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne illness in the U.S., including North Carolina and Virginia. It’s spread primarily by Culex mosquitoes, which are active at dusk and night.

• How it spreads: Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus, then pass it to humans or other animals through their bites.

  
  

• Symptoms:

  • 8 out of 10 people don’t feel sick at all.

  • About 1 in 5 may develop mild symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, or rash.

  • Around 1 in 150 people can develop severe symptoms, such as meningitis (brain inflammation) or encephalitis (swelling of the brain), especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

    
    

• Good news: Most people recover completely, but it’s important to treat any flu-like symptoms seriously, especially after mosquito exposure.

  
  

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

EEE is rare but extremely serious. Cases are typically found in eastern NC and southeastern VA, especially near freshwater swamps where Culiseta melanura mosquitoes breed.

• How it spreads: The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, occasionally spilling over to humans and horses.

  
  

• Symptoms:

  • Begins with headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting.

  • Can progress quickly to disorientation, seizures, coma, or death.

    
    

• Family impact: Children under 15 and adults over 50 are most at risk of severe illness.

  
  

• Fatality rate: Roughly 30% of people with severe EEE will die, and many survivors face lifelong neurological damage.

  
  

• Prevention is key: EEE is a major reason mosquito control in swampy or wooded areas is so important.

La Crosse Encephalitis

This virus mainly affects children and is more common in the Appalachian region, including western NC and parts of southwest VA.

• How it spreads: Transmitted by Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes, often found in wooded areas with tree holes or containers that collect rainwater.

  
  

• Symptoms:

  • Typically mild but can include fever, headache, vomiting, and lethargy.

  • In more serious cases, it can cause brain swelling, seizures, or long-term cognitive issues.

    
    

• Who’s most at risk: Children under 16, especially those spending time at camps or playing in shaded, wooded areas.

  
  

Zika Virus (less common, but still worth noting)

Though not widespread locally, Zika remains important due to travel-related cases and its serious impact on pregnancies.

• How it spreads: Carried by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (the same ones that spread dengue and chikungunya).

  
  

• Symptoms:

  • Most adults experience mild symptoms: rash, fever, joint pain, and red eyes.

  • For pregnant women, Zika poses a significant risk—causing birth defects like microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain).

    
    

• Note: No widespread local outbreaks in NC or VA, but risk increases with travel to affected countries.

  
  

How to Keep Your Family Safe

(Without Living in a Bubble)

You don’t need to cancel summer to stay safe—just be mosquito smart. As the warm weather arrives and we look forward to enjoying outdoor activities, it's essential to remember that mosquitoes can pose a significant health risk. However, this does not mean you have to forgo the joys of summer. Instead, adopting a few smart strategies can help you protect yourself and your loved ones while still enjoying the season to its fullest.

To begin with, understanding the behavior of mosquitoes can greatly enhance your ability to avoid them.

VACO’s Family-Friendly Prevention Tips:

• Eliminate standing water around your yard (mosquitoes lay eggs in as little as a bottlecap of water). Regularly check your yard for items like buckets, bird baths, and clogged gutters that can collect water. By keeping your environment dry, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population in your vicinity.

  
  

• Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so planning your outdoor activities during the middle of the day can reduce your risk of bites.

  
  

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.

  
  

• Use EPA-approved repellents safe for children and pets (like those containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus).Another effective method to stay mosquito smart is to utilize insect repellent. Always follow the instructions on the product label for application and reapplication, especially if you are sweating or spending time in water.

  
  

• Dress wisely with long sleeves and pants preferably in light colors, as darker shades are known to attract mosquitoes more.

  
  

• Call the pros for regular yard treatments that are safe for kids and pets (like VACO’s targeted mosquito control plan, ensuring a healthy outdoor environment for the entire family. Our mosquito plan is designed to minimize mosquito populations in your yard without compromising the safety of your family. Our plan includes a series of treatments, March to October, that focus on the life cycle of mosquitoes, ensuring that larvae are eliminated before they can develop into adult mosquitoes.

  
  

  In addition to mosquito control, regular yard treatments can also address a variety of other pests, such as ticks, fleas, and ants, which can pose risks to both health and comfort. By investing in regular treatments, you not only protect your family but also enhance the overall enjoyment of your yard, making it a welcoming space for gatherings, playtime, and relaxation.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

Mosquito species and disease risks vary by region. At VACO Pest Management, we serve families in both Davidson, NC and Richmond, VA areas, which means we understand the local mosquito patterns, breeding habits, and peak seasons. Our treatments are customized for your yard and your family’s health.

Final Buzz:

The best offense is a smart defense. With a little prevention and expert support, your backyard can stay a fun, safe place all season long. Whether it’s movie night on the patio or kids catching fireflies, VACO is here to make sure mosquitoes don’t crash the party.

Need help mosquito-proofing your yard? Contact VACO Pest Management for a free quote and protect what matters most—your family.