Beaufort County, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County, South Carolina, has reported its first fatality from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in over two decades. The mosquito-borne virus, primarily transmitted to humans via infected mosquito bites, has raised public health concerns. Although EEE is rare, the disease poses severe health risks, with a high mortality rate among those who develop neurological illness. Authorities are taking preventive measures, including mosquito monitoring and spraying, to combat the outbreak and protect residents.
Beaufort County, South Carolina, has reported its first death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in over 20 years, marking an alarming development in public health. The fatality is linked to a mosquito-borne virus, which is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. This incident heightens concerns regarding the presence and impact of EEE in the region.
EEE is not transmitted from person to person, but infection can lead to a range of symptoms. Individuals may experience febrile illness without neurological symptoms or, in severe cases, the disease may result in neurological conditions such as brain inflammation (encephalitis) or inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Serious symptoms of EEE include fever, chills, body aches, joint pain, and, in extreme cases, neurological disorders like seizures and coma. Approximately 5% of people infected with EEE develop neurological disease, and the virus carries a high fatality rate of about 30%.
The last confirmed human case of EEE in South Carolina occurred in 2020, while the previous human death from EEE took place in 2003. Due to privacy laws, further details regarding the identity of the victim have not been released.
In response to this tragic event, Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, emphasized the seriousness of EEE’s effects, despite its rarity. The disease’s potential for severe neurological impact makes it a pressing public health issue.
To mitigate risks, the American Mosquito Control Association recommends several preventive measures against mosquito bites. These include wearing long sleeves, using EPA-registered repellents, and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water. Beaufort County Mosquito Control is actively taking steps to monitor mosquito populations; they are currently testing mosquitoes for EEE across 78 trap locations. So far this year, no EEE-positive mosquitoes have been detected near the recent human case site.
In light of the death, Beaufort County has initiated additional truck-based and aerial spraying missions to control the mosquito population and reduce the transmission risk of EEE. Continuous monitoring of mosquito activity will be carried out in the area to ensure public safety.
In addition to human cases, EEE has also been found in 10 horses across various counties in South Carolina in 2023, although none have been reported in Beaufort County. This further emphasizes the need for vigilance in preventing EEE outbreaks.
Residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures seriously and to remain informed about the risks associated with mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly EEE.
FAQ Section
What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?
EEE is a mosquito-borne virus spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
How is EEE transmitted?
The virus cannot be transmitted from person to person.
What symptoms are associated with EEE?
Infection may result in febrile illness without neurological symptoms or severe neurological disease due to brain inflammation (encephalitis) or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
What are the serious symptoms of EEE?
Serious symptoms may include fever, chills, body aches, joint pain, and, in severe cases, neurological disorders like seizures and coma.
What is the fatality rate of EEE?
Approximately 5% of people infected with EEE develop neurological disease, which has a high fatality rate of about 30%.
When was the last confirmed human case of EEE in South Carolina?
The last confirmed human case of EEE in South Carolina prior to this was reported in 2020; the last death occurred in 2003.
What is being done to control mosquito populations in Beaufort County?
Beaufort County Mosquito Control is actively testing mosquitoes for EEE across 78 trap locations and has initiated additional truck-based and aerial spraying missions in response to the death. The county plans to continue monitoring the mosquito population.
Key Features of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; not person-to-person. |
| Symptoms | Fever, chills, body aches, joint pain, possible neurological disorders. |
| Fatality Rate | Approximately 30% for those developing neurological disease. |
| Last Cases | Last confirmed human case in South Carolina: 2020. Last death: 2003. |
| Control Measures | Monitoring mosquitoes, aerial spraying, and public awareness. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Beaufort County
First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Reports First Confirmed Death from EEE Virus
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort County Mosquito-Borne EEE Virus Death
- Wikipedia: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- WYFF4: South Carolina EEE Virus Death
- Google Search: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Post & Courier: Beaufort SC EEE Mosquito Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito-Borne Illness
- WACH: SC DPH Reports First EEE Virus Death in 20 Years
- Google News: Eastern Equine Encephalitis South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
