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SC: 2012 West Nile cases- 3rd death reported

Shiloh

Shiloh

Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.wbtv.com/story/19504145/...-west-nile-first-2012-death-in-south-carolina


SC man dies from West Nile; first 2012 death in state
Posted: Sep 10, 2012 3:18 PM EDT Updated: Sep 10, 2012 3:18 PM EDT
By Jessica Sells - email

COLUMBIA, SC (WBTV) -

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced the state's first death this year from West Nile Virus.

The victim is identified only as an "elderly, Aiken County man".

"This gentleman tested positive for West Nile Virus infection after being hospitalized with sudden onset of high fever, confusion, and headache..."
 
Re: SC man dies from West Nile; first 2012 death in state

Re: SC man dies from West Nile; first 2012 death in state

[Source: South Carolina Health Department, full text: (LINK). Edited.]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / Sept. 10, 2012

DHEC identifies state?s first West Nile Virus death of the 2012 season



COLUMBIA, S.C.? An elderly Aiken County man has been identified as the first person to die with West Nile Virus in South Carolina this year, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

?This gentleman tested positive for West Nile Virus infection after being hospitalized with sudden onset of high fever, confusion, and headache.? said Riyadh Muhammad, M.D. and regional medical director for DHEC Region 5 Public Health, covering Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties.

?In all likelihood ? like most South Carolinians sickened by this disease in 2012 ? he probably contracted the illness after being bitten by mosquitoes in the area near his home. Although this unfortunate death occurred in Aiken county, West Nile Virus could exist wherever mosquitoes live, and West Nile Virus cases have been reported throughout the state this year.?

Dr. Muhammad said that West Nile Virus is a disease of birds transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds. People bitten by an infected mosquito may become ill within 2 to 14 days with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasionally nausea and vomiting. Some may have a rash.

?The most important step anyone can take to prevent West Nile Virus infection is to protect against being bitten by a mosquito,? said Dr. Muhammad. ?The risk of serious illness is low. Less than one percent of people infected develop potentially fatal infections of the brain or protective membranes covering the brain, known as encephalitis or meningitis. However, if you or someone you care for has a rash, fever, and confusion, especially after mosquito bites, seek medical care promptly.?

So far this year in South Carolina, West Nile Virus has been detected in 17 people, three animals, 13 birds and one mosquito pool.

DHEC recommends citizens pay attention to the ?four Ds? as the most effective ways to prevent WNV:
  • DEET ? Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
  • DRESS ? Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
  • DAWN AND DUSK ? Exposure to mosquitoes is most common during the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at that time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.
  • DRAIN ?Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.
For more information about WNV, visit http://www.scdhec.gov/westnile and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

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For media inquiries: Jim Beasley ? (803) 898-7769 - Email - beaslejc@dhec.sc.gov

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Re: SC: 2012 West Nile cases- 3rd death reported

[Source: South Carolina Department of Health, full page: (LINK).]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 7, 2012

South Carolinians advised about increase in mosquito-related diseases



COLUMBIA ? An increase of mosquito-borne disease activity in 2012 has prompted state health officials to remind the public of steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.

?Despite the approaching cooler weather, you still need to protect yourself from mosquito bites,? said Chris Evans, Ph.D. and entomologist with DHEC?s Bureau of Laboratories.

?Mosquitoes can be active in the fall, even after extended periods of cold weather. Bites to humans and other animals from infected mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis virus, and eastern equine encephalitis virus, which have been found in higher numbers this year.

?West Nile virus has been detected in 24 birds, 5 horses, and 9 mosquito samples in South Carolina so far this year,? Evans said. ?Additionally, eastern equine encephalitis can cause severe consequences for those infected, and it has been found in 1 person and 15 horses in S.C. this year.?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus cases have been reported in people from 48 states, with over 4,800 cases, including 223 deaths so far in 2012, compared to 712 human cases, including 43 deaths in 2011.

?So far this year, the illness has been detected in 30 people in South Carolina and three have died from the infection, compared to less than 5 cases per year over the last 5 years,? said Dr. Linda Bell, M.D. and interim state epidemiologist.

?Our warm autumn weather brings many people outdoors during this time of year to garden, attend sporting events and fall festivals, and enjoy other activities. It's very important to continue protecting yourself and your family during these days of warm fall weather to avoid mosquito-borne disease.?


Dr. Bell advises that a good way to avoid mosquito bites is by following the 4 Ds:
​

  • DEET ? Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
  • Dress ? Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
  • Dawn and dusk ? Exposure to mosquitoes is most common during the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at that time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.
  • Drain ? Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, in containers just above the water line, and in moist soil that is subject to flooding. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, such as tire ruts, flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have an ornamental pond, use mosquito fish (available from some local mosquito control agencies) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.
For more information about mosquito-borne disease, visit http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/envhealth/pests/mosquitoes-diseases.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/list_mosquitoborne.htm .

###
For media inquiries:
Jim Beasley ? (803) 898-7769
Email ? beaslejc@dhec.sc.gov
​
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