West Nile Virus Detected in South Carolina Mosquitoes as Health Officials Issue Public Warnings
July 22, 2026
Health and environmental control officials across South Carolina are urging residents to take extra precautions against mosquito bites after West Nile virus was detected in several coastal mosquito traps.
The state Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that infected mosquitoes were identified during routine vector surveillance. In response, local vector control agencies, including Beaufort County Mosquito Control, have stepped up trapping programs and scheduled targeted truck treatments to suppress adult mosquito populations.
“Prevention is the best treatment here. When we each take small actions to eliminate breeding areas and prevent bites, we strengthen our defense against mosquito-borne illnesses.” — Dr. Jeremy Bird / S.C. Health Officials
Understanding West Nile Virus Risks
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, which contracts the virus after feeding on infected birds. While the virus is naturally present in South Carolina ecosystems, detection levels can fluctuate depending on weather conditions, rainfall, and summer heat.
Health experts note that about 80% of individuals infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms at all. For the roughly 20% who do become ill, common symptoms resemble the flu:
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Mild to moderate fever
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Severe headaches and body aches
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Nausea, vomiting, or joint pain
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Skin rashes
In rare instances—affecting less than 1% of cases—the virus can develop into a severe neurological illness causing neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, or seizures, which requires immediate medical care.
How to Protect Your Family and Home
With peak mosquito activity running through late summer and early autumn, state health officials recommend following basic preventative steps around the yard and when spending time outdoors:
| Prevention Tip | Action Items |
| Eliminate Standing Water | Empty planter saucers, buckets, pet bowls, birdbaths, and clogged rain gutters weekly to disrupt mosquito breeding cycles. |
| Protect Your Skin | Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before heading outside. |
| Wear Protective Clothing | Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants during outdoor activities. |
| Limit Peak Outdoor Hours | Avoid spending extended time outdoors around dawn and dusk when disease-carrying mosquito species are most active. |
| Secure Your Home | Ensure window and door screens are tight-fitting and free of tears or holes. |
Residents who notice heavy mosquito populations or persistent standing water in their neighborhoods are encouraged to report problem areas directly to their county’s local mosquito control department.
