The South Carolina Department of Public Health has notified Charleston County Mosquito Control (CCMC) of confirmed positive West Nile virus (WNV) cases in Charleston County.
In response, CCMC is taking additional measures to reduce adult mosquito populations and limit the potential spread of WNV, including:
- Increasing truck-based ULV treatment, including expanding the treatment radius around catch basins and prioritizing areas where WNV has been detected or mosquito populations are elevated. In WNV-positive areas, spraying will occur at least every 10 days, in accordance with established guidelines.
- Coordinating targeted aerial spraying in areas where WNV has been detected and/or where mosquito populations are high.
- Increasing mosquito surveillance and testing to identify areas of elevated mosquito activity and additional disease detections.
“While West Nile virus is naturally present in our region, the number and location of detections can vary from year to year,” said Brian Hayes, Charleston County Mosquito Control Manager. “Our mosquito surveillance program allows us to identify where disease is present and respond quickly with targeted treatment. We’re asking residents to do their part, too, by taking simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”
Each week, CCMC deploys up to 30 mosquito surveillance traps throughout Charleston County to monitor mosquito populations and test for mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV, eastern equine encephalitis virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus.
Residents can help reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness by taking the following precautions:
- Drain standing water around your home that can serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes.
- Avoid outdoor activity, when possible, during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress to deter mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
- Defend yourself by using an effective, EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Maintain doors and window screens in good condition to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
To learn more about mosquito control or submit a service request, click here.
For information about West Nile virus, including clinical signs and symptoms, please visit www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus.