Some mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus in North Carolina can survive after the first frost by hiding in warm places like homes, garages, and crawl spaces. North Carolina continues to see small numbers of West Nile virus infections through November.
There are currently no human vaccines or specific treatments available for West Nile virus. The most effective protection is prevention. Recommended preventive measures include using DEET or equivalent insect repellent on exposed skin, wearing long sleeves and long pants, choosing permethrin-treated clothing, limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, using window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.