The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has detected the state's first case of West Nile virus in 2026. A case of West Nile virus was also detected in the blood of a donor during a blood drive in Mecklenberg County. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious disease or death. Most people who have been infected with West Nile were bitten by a mosquito and will show no symptoms. Removing standing water helps in preventing the spread of West Nile virus.