Two human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in a similar time frame and area meet the definition of an outbreak, according to the S.C. Department of Public Health.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Public Health.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed an outbreak of West Nile virus in the Pee Dee region and is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Two human cases of West Nile virus were diagnosed in the Pee Dee within a similar time frame and geographic radius, indicating sustained virus activity in the area and meeting the definition of an outbreak, according to the department.
West Nile virus cannot be passed from person to person and is transmitted only through the bite of an infected mosquito, the department said.
The department recommends applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or 2-undecanone according to label instructions, and wearing clothing that reduces skin exposure. Mosquitoes can bite any time of day or night, with day-active species peaking in early morning and late afternoon and night-active species biting more often at dawn and dusk, according to the department.
The department also advises residents to ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and to eliminate standing water on their property, including in flowerpots, tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.
“Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms,” said Dr. Abdoulaye Diedhiou, state epidemiologist. “The risk of serious illness is low, with less than one percent of people infected developing encephalitis, a potentially fatal swelling of the brain. 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.”
About one in five people infected become ill within two to 14 days, with symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain and occasionally nausea and vomiting, along with light sensitivity, eyelid inflammation or a rash, according to the department. DPH recommends contacting a healthcare provider if fever or other symptoms develop after a mosquito bite.
The department works with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor mosquitoes for diseases spread to humans and provides guidance to local governments on responding to mosquito-borne illness. DPH said it does not provide mosquito control, as those programs are managed at the local community level. The department is urging local governments to review, update or create ordinances to help reduce or treat standing water that provides mosquito breeding habitat.
More information is available at dph.sc.gov/mosquitoes, according to the department.
