South Carolinians can now view important information and resources related to mosquito-borne illnesses in the state through the Department of Public Health's (DPH) new Mosquito-Borne Disease Dashboard.
The dashboard includes comprehensive data and demographic breakdowns about West Nile Virus, malaria, and dengue, some of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in South Carolina.
The dashboard will be updated bi-weekly during the more active mosquito months, May 1- Nov. 30, and monthly when the insects are not as prominent. Data displayed on the dashboard is obtained from the South Carolina Infectious Disease and Outbreak Network (SCION) surveillance system.
Additionally, DPH works in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor mosquito populations for disease that can be spread to humans. DPH’s mosquito surveillance program includes trapping and testing mosquitoes across the state and monitoring arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) activity in birds. Arboviruses include West Nile, which can be spread to humans by mosquitoes.
DPH’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Viewer features data on the most current case counts of mosquito-borne disease in birds, mosquitoes and certain animals.
Information on steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding grounds can be found here. For education and outreach materials related to vector-borne diseases click here.