What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

EEE is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmissible between humans. The virus can lead to severe illnesses such as fever, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and meningitis.

What percentage of individuals with severe EEE die from the infection?

Approximately 30% of individuals who develop severe EEE die from the infection, and many survivors face long-term neurological problems.

Are there any vaccines or treatments available for EEE in humans?

There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE in humans.

What steps can residents take to reduce mosquito exposure?

Residents are urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and consider wearing long sleeves, pants, and using EPA-registered repellents.

What actions has Beaufort County taken in response to the EEE case?

The county has initiated multiple truck-based spraying applications and plans to conduct aerial spraying. They are also testing mosquitoes in the area for the virus.

September 20, 2025

First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Beaufort County

Beaufort County, September 20, 2025

News Summary

A resident of Beaufort County has succumbed to eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), marking the first human fatality from this virus in South Carolina since 2003. EEE is transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to severe health issues, with a significant proportion of severe cases resulting in death. In light of this incident, health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito exposure. Enhanced mosquito control measures are being implemented in the area to prevent further cases.

Beaufort County, South Carolina: First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Over 20 Years

A Beaufort County resident has died after contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), marking the first human death from the virus in South Carolina since 2003. This incident also marks the first reported human case of EEE in the state since 2020.

EEE is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not spread from human to human. The virus can result in serious health issues, including severe fever, brain inflammation, and meningitis. Approximately 30% of individuals who develop severe cases of EEE die from the infection, and survivors often face long-term neurological complications. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE in humans.

Health Officials’ Response

Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), emphasized the importance of taking measures to reduce mosquito exposure. Residents are urged to clean up any areas where mosquitoes may breed.

In response to the human case, the Beaufort County Mosquito Control has initiated several truck-based spraying applications near the resident’s location and is planning to conduct aerial spraying for wider coverage. The county has also set traps to test mosquitoes for the EEE virus.

So far, no EEE-positive mosquitoes have been detected in the area where the human case occurred in 2025. However, 10 horses in the state have tested positive for the EEE virus this year in various counties, including Aiken, Colleton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Sumter.

Protective Measures

Due to the serious nature of EEE, the American Mosquito Control Association recommends protective measures when outdoors, such as wearing long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored loose-fitting clothing, as well as using EPA-registered repellents. While the DPH does not oversee mosquito control, it offers resources to assist communities in managing mosquito populations.

Collaboratively, the DPH and the CDC work together to monitor mosquito-borne diseases through various methods that include trapping mosquitoes, testing dead birds, and checking animals like horses for EEE.

Background on Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but potentially fatal viral infection. Public health authorities track cases diligently, primarily due to the virus’s severity and the considerable risks involved. With a history of infrequent human cases in South Carolina, the recent event has raised alarms among health officials and the community.

Personal information regarding the deceased resident, such as their name, age, and exact location, remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns.

Key Statistics

Approximately 30% of severe EEE cases result in death
No vaccines or specific treatments for EEE in humans
10 horses tested positive in multiple counties in 2023
First human case in South Carolina since 2020

Conclusion

As health officials remain vigilant, the Beaufort County community is urged to stay informed and proactive in reducing mosquito exposure to prevent future cases of EEE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

EEE is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmissible between humans. The virus can lead to severe illnesses such as fever, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and meningitis.
What percentage of individuals with severe EEE die from the infection?

Approximately 30% of individuals who develop severe EEE die from the infection, and many survivors face long-term neurological problems.
Are there any vaccines or treatments available for EEE in humans?

There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE in humans.
What steps can residents take to reduce mosquito exposure?

Residents are urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and consider wearing long sleeves, pants, and using EPA-registered repellents.
What actions has Beaufort County taken in response to the EEE case?

The county has initiated multiple truck-based spraying applications and plans to conduct aerial spraying. They are also testing mosquitoes in the area for the virus.

Key Features of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Feature	Description
Transmission	Spread through infected mosquito bites
Severity	Approximately 30% fatality rate in severe cases
Vaccine/Treatment	No vaccines or specific treatments available
Symptoms	Fever, brain inflammation, meningitis
Case History in SC	First human case since 2020; first death since 2003

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Reports First Confirmed Death from EEE Virus

Additional Resources

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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