Beaufort County, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed the first death from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in over 20 years, occurring in Beaufort County. This alarming development highlights the risks associated with this mosquito-borne disease, which can lead to severe health complications in a small percentage of infected individuals. Health officials are urging residents to take appropriate preventive measures against mosquito bites as research indicates no current vaccine or specific treatment for EEE.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported the state’s first confirmed death from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in over 20 years. This tragic incident took place in Beaufort County and marks the first fatality attributed to EEE infection in the state since 2003. Prior to this, the last confirmed case of EEE in South Carolina was recorded in 2020.
EEE is a mosquito-borne disease that is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. It cannot be spread from one person to another. Common symptoms of the disease include febrile illness, which encompasses fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. These symptoms generally last from one to two weeks, and most individuals recover completely without developing central nervous system involvement.
However, approximately 5% of individuals infected with EEE will experience neurologic diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis, leading to more severe health complications. Signs of neurologic disease may include fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, and behavioral changes, which can escalate to drowsiness or coma. The mortality rate for severe cases of EEE is alarmingly high at about 30%, with death typically occurring between two to ten days after symptoms manifest. Survivors may endure long-term health challenges, including physical or mental disabilities that necessitate ongoing care.
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific medications available to prevent or treat EEE in humans. The South Carolina DPH has identified certain demographics as being at higher risk for severe infection, particularly individuals younger than 15 and those older than 50 years.
In light of this concerning situation, health officials are strongly recommending preventive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. These measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites around homes and neighborhoods.
Beaufort County is actively engaged in mosquito control efforts, which include spraying applications and mosquito trapping to monitor for the EEE virus. As of now, there have been no EEE-positive mosquitoes detected in the vicinity of the human case reported in Beaufort County for the year 2025. However, 10 EEE-positive horses have been recorded across various counties in South Carolina, although none are from Beaufort County.
The American Mosquito Control Association emphasizes the importance of properly wearing clothing and utilizing EPA-registered repellents as effective means of protection. Health officials are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions in response to this rare yet serious health threat.
FAQ
What is eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)?
EEE is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be spread from person to person.
What are the symptoms of EEE?
Symptoms include febrile illness such as fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain, which typically lasts one to two weeks. Neurologic diseases can also occur, leading to fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, and changes in behavior.
What is the fatality rate for severe cases of EEE?
The mortality rate for severe EEE cases is approximately 30%, with death generally occurring 2 to 10 days after symptom onset.
What preventive measures can individuals take to avoid EEE?
Preventive measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, using repellent, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Is there a vaccine for EEE?
As of now, there are no vaccines or specific medications to prevent or treat EEE in humans.
Key Features of Eastern Equine Encephalitis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Through bites from infected mosquitoes |
| Symptoms | Febrile illness, neurologic symptoms |
| Mortality Rate | Approximately 30% for severe cases |
| Long-term Effects | Potential physical or mental disabilities for survivors |
| Preventive Measures | Use of repellent, wearing protective clothing, eliminating breeding sites |
| Vaccine Availability | No vaccine or specific medications available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
First Eastern Equine Encephalitis Death in Beaufort County
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
- WYFF: South Carolina EEE Virus Death
- Google Search: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Post and Courier: Beaufort SC EEE Mosquito Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- WIS TV: Death Due to Mosquito-Borne EEE
- 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.
