DPH confirms 2 human cases of the West Nile Virus in Myrtle Beach
Wed, August 5, 2026 at 7:01 PM
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, 1 in 5 people who are infected with the West Nile Virus become ill within two to fourteen days. Those symptoms are similar to what you could find with the flu. Though the chances of developing the illness are low, health official are advising people to be careful
HORRY COUNTY S.C. (WPDE) —According to the CDC, the virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States. Officials say every year, more than 1,300 people develop severe illness, and more than 130 people die after contracting it
Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and that water can be in your very own backyard. Even still, there are ways to lower the risk of being bitten
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, 1 in 5 people who are infected with the West Nile Virus become ill within two to fourteen days
Those symptoms are similar to what you could find with the flu. Though the chances of developing the illness are low, health official are advising people to be careful
“We’re talking about 1 in 5 becoming symptomatic. When I say symptomatic, I mean things like, you know, low grade fever occasionally can get a rash, you know, body aches, almost like the flu,” says Dr. Paul Richardson, Chief Medical Officer, Conway Medical Center
If you are outside, officials commonly advise wearing repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin
One of the more frequently asked questions is – who is most vulnerable to the disease if they were to be bitten?
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Dr. Paul Richardson also says, “You’re thinking about your elderly patients, patients with chronic disease, patients who may be on drugs that may suppress or immune system. Those would be higher risk patients, but again, we’re talking about very low risk,”
Health officials also say there is no vaccine or medicine to prevent the virus
The virus isn’t contagious through human interaction, though. It is only transmitted through mosquito bites, but the City of Myrtle Beach is taking a proactive approach to prevent the spread of mosquitoes
“Our spray technician, in addition to spraying throughout the city of Myrtle Beach on a weekly basis, weather dependent, he is looking out for areas of standing water to treat it with, briquette larvicide,” says Meredith Denari, Communications Director, City of Myrtle Beach
If you have anything in your yard that holds water like flowerpots, bowls, or even boots, the city recommends emptying them out and making sure they’re free of water
If you’re a beekeeper, it’s important to let the city know where you keep your beehives. That way, they’ll avoid spraying that area
