Mosquitoes and Your Health: Understanding Vector-Borne Diseases in North Carolina

Summertime in Western North Carolina brings long, sunlit days, lush mountain greenery, and the sweet scent of blooming rhododendron. It’s a season filled with beauty—but also one that ushers in an unwelcome visitor: mosquitoes.

As the heat and humidity rise across Asheville and the surrounding mountain communities, so does mosquito activity. While these tiny insects may seem like just a warm-weather nuisance, their presence can pose real health risks. In recent years, vector-borne diseases—those transmitted through mosquito bites—have become an increasing concern in our region and across the Southeast.

Awareness is your first line of defense. Many people are unaware of the potential health risks associated with mosquitoes in Asheville or how to effectively protect themselves and their families. Prevention doesn’t have to mean living in fear or staying indoors—it means making informed choices, supporting your immune system, and staying ahead of symptoms when they arise.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases Found in North Carolina

While many mosquito bites cause nothing more than itching and irritation, some can lead to serious infections—especially in Asheville and surrounding rural mountain regions, where standing water and dense vegetation create ideal breeding grounds.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

WNV is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne virus in the U.S. It’s often transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which are active from late spring through fall. While most people infected with WNV show no symptoms, about 1 in 5 may experience:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue or weakness

In rare cases—particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems—the virus can progress to neuroinvasive disease, causing meningitis or encephalitis, which may lead to long-term neurological damage or even death.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Though extremely rare, EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases found in the Southeastern U.S., including parts of rural North Carolina. It causes sudden onset of symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

EEE has a high mortality rate and can cause permanent neurological damage in survivors. People who spend time near swampy or wooded areas are at greater risk during the peak summer months.

La Crosse Encephalitis

Primarily affecting children, La Crosse encephalitis is more common in the Appalachian region and is transmitted by the treehole mosquito. While symptoms are often mild, more serious cases can involve:

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Neurological symptoms in severe cases

This disease tends to emerge in late summer and early fall, making it a seasonal concern for families who enjoy time outdoors.

Zika Virus

Zika gained national attention due to its link to birth defects, particularly microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers. While Zika is primarily found in travel-related cases, its potential impact on reproductive health makes it important for anyone planning to become pregnant to be informed.

Symptoms of Zika—if they occur—are usually mild and may include:

• Rash
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Travelers returning from affected areas should monitor symptoms and consider testing, especially during pregnancy.

Why Some People Are More Vulnerable

Not everyone exposed to a mosquito-borne virus develops symptoms—or at least, not in the same way. Some people may recover quickly or never feel sick at all, while others may experience lingering fatigue, brain fog, or even severe neurological symptoms. So, what makes the difference?

Who’s Most at Risk?

Certain populations are naturally more susceptible to the effects of vector-borne diseases:

• Older adults, whose immune systems may be less responsive
• Children, particularly those under age 16, who are more vulnerable to encephalitic infections like La Crosse virus
• Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, or cardiovascular issues
• Those on immunosuppressive medications or with chronically elevated stress levels

When the body is already compromised—whether from illness, medication, or lifestyle factors—it’s harder to mount a strong defense against viral intruders.

Inflammation, Chronic Illness & Immune Dysregulation

A chronically inflamed or overburdened system doesn’t just have trouble fighting infection—it may overreact. For many patients with chronic illness, even a mild virus can trigger a cascade of symptoms that linger far beyond the initial infection. We see this in post-viral fatigue syndromes, chronic inflammation, and immune dysregulation that can be difficult to resolve with conventional care alone.

The Terrain Theory: Building Internal Resilience

Rather than focusing solely on the pathogen (“the germ”), functional medicine emphasizes the terrain—your body’s internal environment. This is often referred to as terrain theory. If your immune system is strong, inflammation is low, detoxification pathways are open, and your nutrient reserves are robust, you are far more likely to:

• Prevent illness after exposure
• Experience fewer or milder symptoms
• Recover faster with less long-term impact

We help our patients build this internal resilience so they’re better equipped to handle exposures—whether it’s from a mosquito, a virus, or everyday toxins.

Why Detox and Gut Health Matter

• The liver and kidneys play a crucial role in clearing infections and inflammatory byproducts
• A sluggish detox system can cause symptoms to linger, even after the virus is gone
• The gut microbiome is central to immune balance; if it’s disrupted, your whole system can become more reactive and less effective

By supporting gut integrity, reducing inflammation, and optimizing detox pathways, we can help your body do what it was designed to do: heal.

Functional Medicine Prevention Strategies

When it comes to mosquito-borne illnesses, prevention is often framed as external: wear repellent, avoid standing water, stay indoors at dusk. While these are valuable tips, functional medicine adds another critical layer—strengthening the body from the inside out.

At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we believe that the more balanced and resilient your internal environment is, the more effectively your body can resist and recover from infection. Here’s how we help patients build that resilience naturally:

Nutrient Support for Immune Defense

Certain nutrients are essential for a robust immune response, helping the body prevent viral replication, manage inflammation, and recover efficiently:

• Vitamin A – Supports the integrity of skin and mucous membranes, your first line of defense
• Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant that boosts white blood cell activity and supports detox pathways
• Vitamin D – Modulates immune response and reduces chronic inflammation; low levels are linked to greater susceptibility to infection
• Zinc – Critical for the function of immune cells and may help reduce the severity and duration of viral illness
• Quercetin – A plant flavonoid with antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties

We often use personalized supplementation protocols based on each patient’s health status, labs, and environmental exposures.

Immune-Supportive Herbs

Many botanicals have natural immune-strengthening and antiviral properties. Some of our go-to herbal allies include:

• Elderberry – Helps defend against respiratory viruses and supports early-stage immune response
• Andrographis – An immune-stimulating herb with broad-spectrum antiviral effects
• Astragalus and echinacea – Used preventively to strengthen immune reserves and promote resilience

We always consider individual sensitivities, medical conditions, and medication interactions when recommending herbal therapies.

Foundational Lifestyle Habits

The basics matter—and they’re often overlooked. Every day, your lifestyle choices either strengthen or stress your immune system. Focus on:

• Sleep – Aim for 7–9 hours per night to promote immune cell repair and regeneration
• Stress reduction – Chronic stress suppresses immunity; daily mindfulness or prayer, time in nature, or journaling can help
• Hydration – Keeps lymphatic and detox systems flowing
• Movement – Supports circulation, detoxification, and mood—all vital for immunity

These habits not only prevent illness but enhance your body’s ability to heal if you do get sick.

Detox and Antioxidant Support Before and After Exposure

Whether you’ve been bitten or simply want to reduce your risk, it’s smart to support your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system:

• Drink filtered water and consume cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
• Use sauna or gentle sweat therapy to promote detox through the skin
• Consider antioxidant support with glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or milk thistle
• Support lymph flow with dry brushing, gentle massage, or light rebounding

These steps can make a meaningful difference in how your body responds to and recovers from potential infection.

Stay Ahead of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses—Your Health Is Worth It

Mosquitoes may be a natural part of summer in North Carolina, but mosquito-borne diseases don’t have to be. With the right knowledge, prevention strategies, and support, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unnecessary illness—and enjoy the beauty of the season with peace of mind.

At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we believe that prevention and early intervention are key. If you’ve been bitten, feel “off,” or are experiencing unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or body aches—don’t dismiss it as a typical summer bug. Your body’s signals matter. Listening to them early can help avoid long-term complications.

Whether you're seeking help with symptoms or simply want to build your immune resilience, Dr. Cynthia Libert and our team are here to provide proactive, personalized, and compassionate care rooted in functional medicine.

Have you or your loved ones been exposed to mosquitoes this summer? Concerned about symptoms or looking to build stronger immune defenses? We’re here to help.
📞 Call us at (828) 490-1545

📧 Email us at help@caringforthebody.org

🌐 Visit us at www.caringforthebody.org

‍