The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two West Nile virus outbreaks in the state: four human cases in the Midlands and two human cases in the Lowcountry.
State health officials say the timing of the diagnoses indicates sustained West Nile virus activity in each area, therefore meeting the definition of an outbreak. The announcement follows a West Nile outbreak in the Pee Dee region earlier this month.
West Nile virus is a disease that can only be transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States.
State health officials say 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will become ill within two days to two weeks. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Abdoulaye Diedhiou, a state epidemiologist, says most people don’t experience symptoms.
"The risk of serious illness is low, with less than one percent of people infected developing encephalitis, a potentially fatal swelling of the brain, Diedhiou said. “However, we urge residents in the area to take this alert seriously and take the precautions advised to further lower their risk of contracting West Nile virus.”
DPH encourages South Carolinians to take steps to help prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, IR 3535, or 2-Undecanone
- Avoid exposure during peak biting times—early mornings and late afternoons
- Make sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out
- Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, such as, water-holding containers, flowerpots, tires, rain gutters, and pet bowls
There are currently no licensed vaccines or medicines available to prevent West Nile. DPH advises anyone who experiences symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.
