September 24, 2025

Beaufort County Resident Dies from Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Beaufort County, September 24, 2025

News Summary

A resident in Beaufort County has succumbed to eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), marking South Carolina’s first human fatality from the virus since 2003. The case highlights the significant health risks posed by mosquito-borne viruses. Symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, and seizures, with a fatality rate for severe cases at around 30%. The South Carolina Department of Public Health urges residents to take mosquito prevention measures seriously as they respond to this alarming incident.

Beaufort County, South Carolina Reports First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis Since 2003

A Beaufort County resident has died after contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), marking the first confirmed human case of EEE in South Carolina since 2020 and the first EEE-related fatality in the state since 2003. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) announced the death on September 19, 2025, emphasizing the importance of mosquito prevention measures.

EEE is a rare but potentially deadly virus spread to humans through infected mosquito bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 11 human cases of EEE are reported annually in the United States. The fatality rate for severe EEE cases is approximately 30%, and many survivors experience long-term neurological damage, highlighting the serious risks associated with the virus.

Symptoms of EEE typically appear four to 10 days after a mosquito bite and may include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness. There is currently no vaccine or specific medical treatment available for EEE, which exacerbates the concerns surrounding the virus.

Context and Background on EEE

The virus is maintained in nature through a cycle involving infected birds and mosquitoes, which are commonly found in swampy, wooded areas. Humans and other mammals, including horses, can become infected through mosquito bites but serve as “dead-end hosts” for the virus, meaning they cannot transmit it further. In 2025, SCDPH confirmed 10 EEE-virus positive horses in various counties in South Carolina, including Aiken, Colleton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Sumter.

EEE is most frequently reported in Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and around the Great Lakes. The CDC advises individuals living in or visiting high-risk areas, especially those over 50 and under 15, to take precautions against mosquito bites. Health officials recommend eliminating mosquito breeding sites and following the “7 Ts” for mosquito prevention.

In response to the recent case, Beaufort County Mosquito Control has initiated multiple spraying applications and plans to enhance mosquito trapping and surveillance efforts to minimize the risk of further infections. The nearest routine surveillance trap to the case site was reported to be approximately 2.5 miles away, with no EEE-positive mosquitoes detected in 2025.

Precautions and Recommendations

Residents are urged to wear protective clothing and use EPA-registered repellents to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. These preventative measures are critical in combatting the spread of EEE and ensuring the safety of the community.

Statistics on EEE

Average reported human cases in the U.S. annually: 11
Fatality rate for severe EEE cases: 30%
Recent active EEE-virus positive horses reported in South Carolina: 10
Geographical prevalence: Most common in Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and around the Great Lakes
Noteworthy symptoms: Fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, and drowsiness

FAQ Section

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

EEE is a rare but potentially deadly virus spread to humans through infected mosquito bites.

How many human cases of EEE are reported in the U.S. annually?

On average, 11 human cases of EEE are reported in the United States each year, according to the CDC.

What is the fatality rate for severe EEE cases?

The fatality rate for severe EEE cases is about 30%, with many survivors suffering long-term neurological damage.

What are some symptoms of EEE?

Symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness, typically appearing four to 10 days after a mosquito bite.

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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.

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.

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