State and local health officials are urging North Carolinians to remain diligent in personal efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

The reminder comes on the recent announcement by Florida health officials that they have confirmed the state's first two locally acquired cases of the mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya (chik-en-gun-ye).

Sometimes referred to as CHIKV, the virus has been spreading throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America, and has now reached the continental United States. The chikungunya virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and the Asian tiger mosquito that is commonly found in North Carolina could effectively transmit this virus.

So far this year, there have been nine cases that have been confirmed in North Carolina from people who recently traveled to the Caribbean. At this time, there have not been any cases of the disease known to have been acquired in North Carolina. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms typically include the sudden onset of fever and severe, often disabling, joint pains in the hands and feet.

Many patients feel better within a week; however, the joint pain may persist for months in some people. Newborns exposed during delivery, adults over 65 years and people with chronic medical conditions have a greater risk for a severe form of the disease. “I highly encourage Halifax County residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites at home as well as when traveling to places that already have chikungunya and other mosquito-borne viruses,”said Cardra E. Burns, Halifax County Health director. "An easy and effective tip to reduce mosquito breeding around the home is to empty any containers that can hold water." Additional tips to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home include:

• Wearing light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts

• Reducing time spent outdoors, particularly during early morning and early evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. However, you should exercise precautions against mosquito bites at all times

• Applying EPA-approved mosquito repellents such as DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to exposed skin areas. Always follow guidelines when using mosquito repellent

• Since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection

• Removing any containers that can hold water

• Changing the water in bird baths and pet bowls frequently and repairing leaky outdoor faucets

• Keeping gutters clean and in good repair

• Using screened windows and doors and making sure screens are not torn and fit tightly. For more information about the chikungunya virus or mosquito safety please contact Jeff Dillard at 252-583-6651.