What testing is ongoing in South Carolina to detect West Nile virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases?
S.C. DHEC has been testing for West Nile virus infections since 1999 in addition to other viral infections that are spread by mosquitoes. South Carolina’s surveillance program includes detection of WNV in birds, mosquitoes, mammals, and humans. S.C. DHEC’s surveillance to detect WNV focuses on the bird and mosquito components of the WNV transmission cycle. Detection of WNV in bird and mosquito populations helps health officials predict and prevent human and domestic animal infections. Equines (horses, donkeys, and mules) serve as effective sentinels because a high intensity of mosquito exposure makes them more likely to be infected than people. Bird Surveillance Dead bird surveillance appears to be the most sensitive early detection system for WNV activity. Certain species of birds, in particular corvids (e.g., crows and jays) are particularly sensitive to WNV. Due to public involvement in reporting dead bird sightings, dead wild birds are readily available over a much wider region tha
