The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Wednesday that there is a sustained West Nile virus activity among mosquitoes in the Pee Dee.
West Nile virus is spread exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito; it cannot be passed directly from person to person.
According to DPH, roughly 80% of people infected show no symptoms at all. About one in five infected individuals develop a fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, or a rash within two to 14 days of being bitten. Less than one percent of infected individuals develop severe neurological illness, such as encephalitis (brain swelling).
“Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms,” said State Epidemiologist, Dr. Abdoulaye Diedhiou. “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 advises residents in the Pee Dee and across the state to protect themselves by taking the following steps:
- Apply Repellent: Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone.
- Cover Up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors to minimize exposed skin.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Limit outdoor activity during dawn, dusk, early mornings, and late afternoons when mosquito species are most active.
- Dump Standing Water: Regularly drain water from flowerpots, birdbaths, old tires, pet bowls, and rain gutters to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
- Secure Screens: Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting mesh screens to keep insects outside.
DPH coordinates surveillance efforts with the CDC and alerts local governments when virus activity rises, but actual spraying and mosquito management programs are handled at the municipal and county levels.
State health officials are urging local governments in the Pee Dee to review and update mosquito control measures.
A mosquito sample in Richland County this week also showed the presence of West Nile virus.
For more information on the West Nile Virus you can visit this link.
