The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed 2 cases of West Nile virus in Myrtle Beach.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes.  The city is increasing its regular spraying and eradication efforts as a precaution.  This includes more intense aerial spraying to treat adult mosquitoes, treating standing water with larvicide briquettes and assisting the DPH in trapping mosquitoes for inspection.  Weekly seasonal spraying for all areas of the city began in May and still occurs each week.

Recent flooding and rain events, including Hurricane Helene, have led to an increase in the mosquito population. Our recent article highlights that misquitos are expected in our area up and until the Christmas Holidays.

2 cases of West Nile

Myrtle Beach residents can aid in mosquito-fighting efforts, too!  Here are steps you and your family can take to help decrease the mosquito population and avoid mosquito bites from the DPH:

• Eliminate all standing water (mosquito breeding grounds) in flowerpots, lids, toys, gutters, pet bowls, pool covers, old tires, buckets and more.  Keep them emptied.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions.
• Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
• Exposure to mosquitoes is most common during the early morning. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas.  Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

The Department of Public Health says most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. About one in five people infected becomes ill within two to 14 days with symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.  The risk of serious illness is low.  You can learn more about West Nile virus from the DPH here: https://dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/insect-or-animal-borne-disease/west-nile-virus.

The current 2 cases of West Nile can be limited if residents follow the below guidelines.