First SC Equine Encephalitis death in 20 years

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Friday, September 19, the SC Department of Public Health announced the first confirmed death caused by an infection due to the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in more than 20 years.

Officials say it is the first human case of the virus since 2020 and the first death since 2003.

The death occurred in Beaufort County.

The virus is spread from the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be spread from person to person.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat infection in people and the best way to avoid the virus is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.