COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) -- The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) said Friday that the state has experienced its first confirmed death caused by infection with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in more than 20 years. The person was from Beaufort County.

This is the first human case of EEE virus to be reported in South Carolina since 2020 and the first fatality from the virus in the state since 2003.

EEE virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmissible from person to person.

Dr. Edward Simmer, interim SCDPH director, said, “While cases of the virus in people are extremely rare, the effects can be very serious to those who are infected. We encourage everyone to take action to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, including elimin

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