South carolina Reports First Eastern equine โEncephalitis Death inโ Over Two Decades
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. – South Carolina health officials โhave โconfirmed theโ state’s firstโ death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in โover 20 years, prompting alerts forโ residents in affectedโข areas. The death, reported in Beaufort county, underscores the potential severity of this rare but risky mosquito-borne illness.
EEE isโค caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of infectedโ mosquitoes. โคWhile cases are infrequent, the disease can lead to serious neurological damage, and a fatality rate of approximately 30% among those who develop a โขneurological โinfection. the South carolina Department of โHealth and environmental Control โ(DHEC) is โคurging residents to take preventative measures as mosquito populations remain active.
Beaufort County residents are being advised to be particularly vigilant, as โคmosquitos thrive in areas wiht โstanding water for five days or more. โฃDHEC recommends following โฃthe “seven Ts” โto minimize exposure: Tipโค over items that can hold water, toss unwanted yard items that collect water, turnโ over children’s pools,โ tighten tarps covering boats and pools, clear debris from โขditches โand drains, โtreat water-holding items โขwith mosquito control products, and discuss mosquito reduction strategies with neighbors.
EEE symptoms typically โฃappear โฃ4-10 days after a biteโข and can include high fever,โ severeโฃ headache, stiff neck, disorientation, โฃand seizures. There is noโ specific treatment for โฃEEE other than supportive โคcare.Early diagnosis and preventativeโค measures are crucial to reducing risk. โฃ
The last confirmed case ofโค EEE in South Carolina occurred in 2002, according to DHEC. Health officials continue to monitor mosquito activity and encourage residents toโ report any suspected cases to their healthcare provider.