Officials to Spray for Mosquitoes

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — City of Columbia, Richland County and State DHEC officials launch an aggressive exterminating plan after confirmed cases of West Nile virus show up in mosquitoes in Columbia. For the past couple of days, health officials have been targeting septic tanks, ditches, catch basins and low areas that hold water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Authorities are focusing on a two-mile area near the Edgewood Community in Columbia after infected bugs were discovered. Workers went door-to-door Wednesday speaking to residents and they also plan to bring in a spray truck Thursday evening from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The pesticide they are using is called Permethrin. If you are allergic to it, DEHEC officials say please call them at 803-576-2910. It is unclear whether further precaution needs to be taken after Thursday.