Beaufort County, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed a human fatality from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Beaufort County, marking the first case since 2020. EEE is a severe viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, with high mortality rates among those who develop severe symptoms. The DPH emphasizes the need for preventive measures, including mosquito control actions undertaken in the area. Residents are advised to eliminate standing water and use insect repellent to reduce their risk of exposure.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed a human death from the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, marking the first fatality from this disease in over two decades. The death occurred in Beaufort County and represents the first human case of EEE in South Carolina since 2020.
EEE is a rare but severe viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is important to note that EEE is not transferable from person to person. Symptoms of EEE can range from high fever and body aches to severe neurological effects such as meningitis and encephalitis. Affected individuals may experience fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, drowsiness, or even coma. Alarmingly, approximately 30% of individuals who develop severe symptoms from EEE succumb to the illness, and many survivors face ongoing neurological complications.
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific medicines available for the treatment of EEE in humans, which emphasizes the importance of prevention measures. The DPH is actively encouraging residents to reduce mosquito exposure by eliminating standing water and utilizing EPA-registered insect repellent.
In conjunction with the confirmed case, Beaufort County Mosquito Control has conducted multiple spraying operations and plans to initiate aerial spraying for broader coverage. To further address potential mosquito threats, the county will deploy traps to test for the presence of the EEE virus in local mosquito populations.
As of now, no EEE-positive mosquitoes have been detected in Beaufort County for 2025, although a total of 10 EEE-positive horses have been reported across various counties in the state between mid-July and August. The DPH is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor and respond to mosquito-borne diseases through comprehensive trapping, testing, and surveillance methods.
Preventive Measures Against EEE
The Department of Public Health recommends several standard precautions for residents to help mitigate the risk of contracting EEE:
- Wear protective clothing when outdoors.
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellents to exposed skin.
- Eliminate standing water in yards where mosquitoes breed.
Understanding Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a viral infection that primarily affects horses but can also infect humans. The disease is particularly concerning due to its potentially severe symptoms and high mortality rate. Awareness and preventive actions are crucial in protecting both individual and public health from this mosquito-borne illness.
Background on EEE in South Carolina
Prior to this incident, South Carolina had not reported a human case of EEE since 2020. EEE typically peaks in late summer to early fall, when mosquito populations are at their highest due to warm weather conditions favorable for breeding. The recent increase in EEE cases highlights the need for community education and proactive health measures.
Key Features of EEE in South Carolina
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Via infected mosquito bites; non-transferable between humans. |
| Symptoms | Fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, drowsiness, coma. |
| Mortal Risk | Approximately 30% of severe cases result in death. |
| Treatment | No vaccines or specific medicines available. |
| Prevention Tips | Wear protective clothing, use EPA-registered repellents, eliminate standing water. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort, South Carolina Reports First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Over 20 Years
First Human Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in South Carolina
First Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Beaufort County
First Death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis Reported in Beaufort County
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
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- WYFF4 News
- Google Search: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- WLTX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Fox Carolina
- Google News: EEE virus 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.
