FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2007
DHEC issues update on S.C. mosquito-borne disease findings
COLUMBIA – Thus far in 2007’s active mosquito season, there have been 53 lab confirmations of West Nile virus and two of eastern equine encephalitis virus in the state, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“Four humans so far were positive for West Nile virus in South Carolina in 2007, but no West Nile deaths occurred so far this year,” said Chris Evans, a Ph.D. entomologist in DHEC’s Bureau of Laboratories. “Other West Nile virus confirmations in the state include 42 mosquito pools, four birds and one horse. Eastern equine encephalitis, or Triple-E, virus was detected in two horses.”
“Two human cases of West Nile fever occurred in early to mid-August in Aiken and Newberry Counties,” Evans said. “Two human cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease occurred in late August in Lexington and Pickens counties.”
According to Evans, 44 West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools were detected. He said a mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes of the same species collected from the same place on the same dates. The following pools in seven counties were confirmed between July 9 and Sept. 12: Aiken (13), Charleston (11), Clarendon (2), Darlington (14), Dorchester (1), Florence (2), and Richland (1).
He added that three West Nile virus-positive birds were collected in Aiken County from mid-August to early September, along with one York County bird in late July. One Richland County horse had to euthanized in early September after suffering from West Nile symptoms since mid-July, and two horses in Richland and Orangeburg counties were euthanized in August because of a Triple-E virus infection.
“Despite the approaching cooler weather of the fall season, citizens still need to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Evans said. “The risk for West Nile virus transmission to humans is always greater toward the end of mosquito season.
“Mosquitoes can be active in the fall, even after extended periods of cold weather. In fact, 21 percent of human cases and 53 percent of equine cases from 2002-2006 in South Carolina occurred in October and November.”
Evans also said that people can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
- Using a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions when using any repellent;
- Avoiding the outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active;
- Wearing long sleeves and pants; and
- Keeping property clear of standing water in which mosquitoes can breed.
The public can help with West Nile virus surveillance by submitting dead crows or blue jays to their local county environmental health office. For guidelines on safely submitting bird samples, visit: http://www.scdhec.gov/westnile, then link to the “Report Dead Birds for WNV Testing” page.
For more information or assistance with mosquito control efforts, contact your city or county’s local mosquito control program. For more information on mosquito-borne disease, visit: http://www.scdhec.gov/westnile. For updated information about recommended mosquito repellants, visit the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm.
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REMINDER TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS:
- To update the media and the public about the status of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases, update news releases will be sent to news media with information about statewide WNV surveillance.
- As they are confirmed, WNV positives will be posted to the WNV Web site at: www.scdhec.gov/westnile (then click on “S.C. Maps & Data” for updates about surveillance).
- We encourage reporters and editors to check the site regularly for updates, maps and charts.
- In case of human death from WNV, a statewide news release will be issued immediately upon lab confirmation of the cause of death being WNV.
For more information:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
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