West Nile Virus takes life of Anderson County resident

An Anderson County resident has died of West Nile Virus, and DHEC says that is the first such death this year in South Carolina.  The virus has been confirmed in samples of seven humans, 10 birds, and 55 mosquitos, though the risk of serious illness or death to humans is considered low.  Less than 1% of people infected develop a potentially fatal swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis.  Most people infected have no symptoms.  About one in five people infected becomes ill within two to 14 days with symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasional nausea and vomiting.  DHEC’s Dr. Melissa Overman says, “If you develop fever or other symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, you should contact your health care provider.”