FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 8, 2006
DHEC issues November 2006 report on S.C. West Nile virus findings
COLUMBIA – During the month of October, two birds and one mosquito pool collected in Charleston County, and one bird each in Florence and Horry counties, tested positive for West Nile virus, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“That brings the season’s total to 35 mosquito pools and 15 birds,” said Chris Evans of DHEC’s Bureau of Laboratories. “In 2006, West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools and birds have been reported from Charleston, Florence, Horry, and Richland counties between July 10 and Oct. 30.
“Three of the 14 South Carolina human cases of West Nile virus in 2002-2005 have occurred during the cooler fall months,” Evans said. “We urge South Carolinians to continue to reduce their risk of West Nile virus and other diseases that mosquitoes might carry.”
Evans said a mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes of the same species collected from the same place on the same day. Evans also said that even though the weather has cooled, people can protect themselves from mosquito bites in the fall season by:
- using a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions when using any repellent;
- wearing long sleeves and pants;
- keeping property clear of standing water in which mosquitoes can breed; including gutters, which should be kept free of fallen leaves; and
- being aware of the symptoms of West Nile virus.
“Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but if they do it can result in two types of illness,” said Lena Bretous, M.D., epidemiologist for vector-borne diseases with DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “Only 20 percent of those infected with the West Nile virus get a mild fever illness called West Nile fever, which lasts about two weeks. People generally recover from West Nile fever, although some individuals may have long-term side effects that last months.”
“Only one out of 150 people infected with the West Nile virus develop severe neurological symptoms where the infection affects the brain or other parts of the nervous system. West Nile infection involving the nervous system involves infection in the brain and occurs more often in people over the age of 50. This type of infection can include symptoms like partial paralysis that can take several weeks or months to resolve,” Dr. Bretous said.
The public can help with West Nile virus surveillance by submitting dead crows or blue jays to their local county environmental health office through Nov. 30. For guidelines on safely submitting bird samples, visit: 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 local mosquito control program. For more information on mosquito-borne disease, visit: 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.
-###-
REMINDER TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS:
To enhance the public's awareness about WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases, a monthly news release will be sent to news media.
As they are confirmed, WNV confirmations 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.
For further information:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR1219