Mosquito tests positive for West Nile Virus in Georgetown County
August 14, 2026
Georgetown County Mosquito Control and the state Department of Public Health confirmed a West Nile Virus-positive mosquito sample during routine testing on Aug. 13. In response, Mosquito Control has increased efforts in affected areas, using targeted adult and larval mosquito control treatments to reduce the number of the pests and help protect public health.
Mosquito Control crews are actively responding under the county’s established protocols. Additional truck spraying began last night and will continue through the weekend and into next week to reduce mosquito populations in affected areas. Sprays generally occur between midnight and dawn, though operations could begin earlier depending on conditions. When a spray truck is nearby, residents should remain indoors so crews can effectively cover the area.
Mosquito Control does not apply pesticides to private property. For information about actions you can take around your home, visit gtcountysc.gov/mosquitos.
County residents – especially those who work outdoors or spend a lot of time outside – should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
What you can do:
- Wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when possible, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate standing water around work sites and vehicles, which mosquitoes use to breed.
About West Nile virus:
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected insects. While most people infected do not develop symptoms, some can experience fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, rash, vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological illness, particularly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, so prevention is the best defense.
The virus is naturally present in South Carolina, and late summer and early fall are typically the peak times for mosquito-borne disease to spread. Georgetown County Mosquito Control’s surveillance program uses traps placed around the County to monitor populations of mosquitos and test for mosquito-borne viruses, including West Nile.
“Routine surveillance allows us to identify increased mosquito activity early and respond quickly to reduce the risk of disease transmission,” said Roban Mears, supervisor for Georgetown County Mosquito Control. “While the risk to the general public remains low, residents should take simple precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
Residents can report areas of standing water or excessive mosquito activity to Mosquito Control by calling its report line at 843-545-3615. Find more information about West Nile virus on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
