2 cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Officials with the South Carolina Department of Health confirmed two cases of West Nile Virus in Myrtle Beach.

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, and most infected people have no symptoms, although the risk of serious illness is low, according to DPH.

However, one in five infected people becomes ill within two to 14 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

In response to the two cases, the City of Myrtle Beach said it is increasing regular spraying and mosquito control as a precaution.

DPH offers people the following tips to reduce the mosquito population and avoid mosquito bites:

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

You can find out more about West Nile virus here.

It is unclear whether the two Myrtle Beach cases are asymptomatic or symptomatic. The DPH also said it could not provide any further information about the cases.

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