SCDPH announces West Nile Virus outbreaks in the Midlands, Lowcountry

COLUMBIA, S.C.(WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirms that two outbreaks of West Nile virus has been found in the Midlands and the Lowcountry.

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The department is encouraging residents to take personal protective measures against mosquitoes.

Four human cases of West Nile virus in the Midlands and two human cases of West Nile virus in the Lowcountry were diagnosed within a similar time frame and geographic radius.

Officials say that indicates sustained West Nile virus activity in each area and meets the definition of an outbreak.

The virus is caught from the bite of an infected mosquito.

You can reduce the possibility of West Nile virus spreading by taking a few simple steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, IR 3535, or 2-Undecanone according to label instructions. Repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting.
• Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
• Mosquitoes can bite any time of night or day, especially in shade. Early mornings and late afternoons are peak biting times for day-active mosquitoes, whereas night-active mosquitoes bite more often at dawn and dusk. Avoid exposure during these times and in these areas. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including any water-holding containers, such as 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 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile virus become ill within two to 14 days with symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

Often, they experience sensitivity to light and inflammation of the eyelids. Some may have a rash.

DPH recommends contacting your healthcare provider if you develop fever or other symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito.

For more information on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, along with strategies to protect yourself, visit dph.sc.gov/mosquitoes.