A dead blue jay found in Lexington County has tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV), making it the first confirmed evidence of the disease in South Carolina, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported Aug. 13.

“I urge South Carolinians to be aware of West Nile virus and to take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said DHEC Commissioner C. Earl Hunter. “We have known for a long time that West Nile virus would be found in South Carolina since other states such as North Carolina and Georgia have found birds with the virus.”

Hunter said the blue jay was found by a Lexington County resident Aug. 6. Tests conducted on the blue jay by DHEC’s Bureau of Laboratories confirmed the finding.

Hunter said surveillance efforts by DHEC staff continue throughout the state. Residents who find dead crows, blue jays and raptors such as owls, hawks or eagles are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health office in DHEC’s 46 county health departments. Contact DHEC’s local county health department during regular office hours for WNV information. More information on WNV is available on DHEC’s web site at https://www.scdhec.net