West Nile virus detected in Beaufort County mosquitoes

by Summer Swanson

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - Beaufort County Mosquito Control has confirmed the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples of the year in Beaufort County. The samples were collected from surveillance trap locations in the City of Beaufort and tested in the agency’s laboratory.

Response efforts underway

Beaufort County Mosquito Control said it is increasing mosquito trapping in the identified areas and will schedule more truck treatment missions to reduce adult mosquito populations.

The agency said it deploys up to 80 mosquito surveillance traps each week throughout Beaufort County to detect mosquito-borne diseases including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus. Officials said West Nile virus is naturally found in the area, but detection can vary from year to year.

How to protect yourself

Beaufort County Mosquito Control is urging the public to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

Drain standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.
Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
Keep door and window screens in good working condition.

For more information or to report mosquitoes or standing water, visit Beaufort County Mosquito Control’s website or call 843-255-5800. To sign up for aerial spray notifications, visit smart911.com.