CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsSummerville Bird Tests Positive For West Nile
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By Ann McGill, Live 5 News
SUMMERVILLE, SC (WCSC) - Two South Carolina birds have tested positive for the West Nile virus, and one of them is right here in the Lowcountry.
One tested positive in Summerville, the other in Rock Hill.
The Department of Health and Environmental Control has already tested 17 birds for the disease, and more than 25,000 mosquitos. So far, no mosquitos have been found to carry the virus.
This is earlier than usual to find birds infected with the disease, but DHEC officials say it doesn't mean anything other than that the virus is active in the area.
The virus comes from mosquitos. It usually stays in birds, but it can be spread to other animals and people. A mild case will give you fever, a rash, or body aches. A more severe case can cause brain damage, inflammation, convulsions, or paralysis.
20 people have tested positive for West Nile since 2002, and one person died.
Mosquitos breed in hotter weather and in standing water, so it's a good idea to clean out bird baths and pet water bowls every day.
If you see a dead bird in your yard and you can tell it didn't die from trauma, such as hitting a window or a car, call DHEC.
In Charleston County, call 202-7020.
In Dorchester County, call 821-9524.
In Berkeley County, call 719-4649.
In Williamsburg County, call 355-9378.
In Colleton County, call 549-2373.
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