South Carolina Records First West Nile Virus-Related Death This Year, Health Department Confirms

A person from Midlands became the first West Nile virus-related death in South Carolina this year, as state health officials confirmed Monday. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) did not include information on where the death occurred but only stated that the death was in the Midlands region.

To date, DHEC has confirmed 11 human cases of West Nile virus, wherein nine out of 11 were from the Midlands region. A press release on Sept. 9 reported that six of those from the Midlands region are residents of Richland County. Aside from human cases, five birds and 38 mosquitoes also tested positive for the virus.

West Nile Virus Outbreak in South Carolina

DHEC's press release on Friday said that the department considers the increasing cases of West Nile virus in the Richland County and Midlands an outbreak and urged residents to use personal protective measures against mosquitoes.

According to state epidemiologist Linda Bell, most people who contract the virus do not experience symptoms. But the risk of death and serious illness, such as encephalitis, could occur in less than 1% of the infected patients and is a reason enough to take the alert seriously and take precautions as advised.

Bell added that residents who experience fever or other symptoms after a mosquito bite should immediately contact their health care provider. Symptoms may include headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, and occasional nausea and vomiting. Some patients may also become sensitive to light and experience inflammation of the eyelids and some may have skin rashes.

South Carolina Health Department Releases Health Precautions

DHEC stresses in their recent press release the importance of effective ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, such as the West Nile virus. These precautions include the following:

• Use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR 3535 to keep mosquitoes away.
• Close doors and windows and make sure they have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Eliminate all stagnant water, such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, rain gutters, old tires, and pet bowls.
• Wear light-colored clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

West Nile Virus Around the World

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the US, which can cause neurological diseases and death to people. According to Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), the virus is the cause of the largest outbreak of neuro-invasive disease that has ever been recorded.

Cases have been reported in several countries, including Africa, some countries in Europe, the Middle East, West Asia, Australia, Canada, Venezuela, and the US. Outbreaks are typically traced to major bird migratory routes, wherein the largest were in Greece, Israel, Russia, Romania, and the US.

There is no vaccine yet for humans against the West Nile virus and the only way to reduce its transmission is to raise awareness of prevention through public education and implementation of mosquito surveillance as well as control programs in areas with a high risk of infection.

Check out more news and information on West Nile Virus in Science Times.