2 cases of West Nile virus confirmed in Myrtle Beach

Key Points:

• The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of West Nile virus in Myrtle Beach, leading the city to urge residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites.
• West Nile virus is transmitted through infected mosquito bites and does not spread between people; symptoms, if they occur, typically develop within 2 to 14 days and include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, and sometimes nausea.
• The city recommends eliminating standing water, using insect repellents with DEET or similar ingredients, wearing protective clothing, limiting outdoor exposure during peak mosquito activity, and ensuring windows and doors have tight screens.
• Myrtle Beach is enhancing mosquito control efforts by increasing aerial spraying, applying larvicides to standing water, and conducting mosquito trapping for testing and surveillance.
• The city’s weekly mosquito spraying program, which began in May, will continue throughout the mosquito season to help reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission.