Beaufort County reports first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of 2026

Beaufort County Mosquito Control has confirmed the first mosquito samples of 2026 to test positive for West Nile virus, prompting increased surveillance and additional mosquito treatment efforts in parts of the county.

The positive samples were collected from mosquito surveillance traps in the City of Beaufort and tested in the county’s mosquito control laboratory, according to a Beaufort County news release.

is increasing mosquito trapping in the affected areas and plans additional truck-based treatment missions to reduce adult mosquito populations.

disease in the contiguous United States and is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to people and other animals. The virus is not spread through casual person-to-person contact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80% of people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. About one in five people experience a mild illness that can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Fewer than 1% develop a severe illness affecting the brain or nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems or certain chronic medical conditions are at greater risk for severe disease.

County officials said West Nile virus occurs naturally in the area, although detections vary from year to year. Beaufort County Mosquito Control deploys up to 80 surveillance traps each week throughout the county to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus.

Officials urged residents to take steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito breeding. Recommended precautions include:
• Draining standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wearing long sleeves and pants while outdoors.
• Using an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Keeping door and window screens in good repair.

Residents can report mosquito problems or standing water by calling Beaufort County Mosquito Control at 843-255-5800 or by visiting the county’s mosquito control website www.beaufortcountysc.gov/mosquito-control. Residents also can sign up on the website to receive notifications about aerial mosquito spray missions.