West Nile Virus: South Carolina Reports First Death Of Year

South Carolina has reported this year’s first case of death from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus as authorities encourage people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites.

The Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday confirmed the death of one person in the Midlands region, where nine of the state’s 11 human West Nile Virus cases were reported. The agency did not divulge any further information about the patient.

Last week, it also reported a “significant increase” in West Nile virus detections in Richland County. In fact, six out of the total cases were from the county. It was considered to be an “outbreak in progress.”

West Nile virus is said to be the “leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, with cases occurring during the mosquito season.

West Nile cases are detected across the continental U.S. The CDC has reported 198 cases of West Nile virus as of Sept. 6.

While eight out of 10 people who get West Nile virus don’t fall ill, one in five develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, diarrhea and joint pain. The fatigue may persist for weeks or months.

In about one in 150 people, the illness can be serious or even fatal, affecting their central nervous system. Symptoms may include tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma.

While anyone of any age may develop severe illness from West Nile virus, people over 60 years, as well as those who have medical conditions such as cancer and hypertension or have received organ transplants are of particularly greater risk, according to the CDC.

“If you develop fever or other symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, you should contact your health care provider immediately,” Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist, said.

DHEC is stressing the importance of preventing West Nile virus and mosquito bites. This includes taking actions such as wearing insect repellents, making sure the screens on doors and windows are tight-fitting and eliminating sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed in.