FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2017

West Nile virus detected in Beaufort County mosquitoes; DHEC urges residents to prevent mosquito bites

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Beaufort County officials announced today that a few samples of mosquitoes trapped in Beaufort County have tested positive for West Nile virus.

"Identifying mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in our state is not uncommon," said Chris Evans, Ph.D. and DHEC's staff entomologist. "A positive identification should serve as a reminder of the importance of preventing mosquito bites. It's the most important step you can take to prevent the spread of illness from mosquitoes to humans."

"Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms," said Linda Bell, M.D. and state epidemiologist. "The risk of serious illness such as encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain, occurs in less than one percent of people infected."

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus disease?

• No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.
• Febrile illness in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
• Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.
  *This information was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/genquestions.html.

"If you have concerns about the virus or develop symptoms, you should contact your health care provider," Bell said.

"There have been no confirmed transmissions of West Nile virus to humans here in Beaufort County or South Carolina this year," said R. Taylor Lee, Low Country Regional Health Director. "We will continue to monitor going forward."

DHEC was notified June 23 of the virus-positive mosquitoes taken from the Beaufort County area, which has many homes and an active business district and nightlife.

"The mosquito that carries this virus is usually active at night, but can also be active at dusk and dawn and in shady areas during the day," Evans said. "As the state's public health agency, we partner with cities and counties across the state to help trap and identify mosquitoes carrying diseases that can be spread to humans.

"The virus actually starts with a bird," he said. "It spreads when a mosquito bites a bird that has the virus in their blood. The mosquito then can spread the virus to other birds, animals or people, when it bites during feeding."

"We have strategically applied public health insecticides in Beaufort County" said Gregg Hunt, director of Beaufort County Mosquito Control. "Our trucks operate during nighttime hours when these mosquito species are most active. The insecticide that we use is very effective, and was selected because it should have a quick knockdown."

DHEC recommends residents pay attention to the most effective ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting.
• Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
• Exposure to mosquitoes is most common at night and during the early morning. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas. Avoid exposure during these times and in these areas.
• Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.

Officials emphasize the public plays a vital role in controlling the spread of all mosquito-borne diseases.

"Mosquito control workers can't do it alone," Hunt said. "We need citizens to help."

Dead birds can help DHEC and local partners track West Nile virus. Residents can report the finding of dead birds to DHEC. Learn how here. Also, residents and visitors can use a Beaufort County Mosquito Control app to report dead birds. Learn how here or here. DHEC is currently accepting submission of birds through Nov. 30, 2017.

For more information about preventing mosquito bites and the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, go to www.scdhec.gov/mosquitoes. Learn more about West Nile virus at www.scdhec.gov/westnile.

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DHEC Media Relations
media@dhec.sc.gov
(803) 898-7769