City of Columbia alerted of human transmission of West Nile Virus
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– City of Columbia officials say they have been alerted of human transmission of West Nile Virus in the city.
According to officials, the City of Columbia will continue to spray for adult mosquitoes through the remainder of the season.
City officials say residents are urged to protect themselves by:
- Using, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Emptying and turning over outdoor containers holding water
- Making sure there are screens on rain barrels and using the water as soon as possible
- Changing the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and plant containers at least once a week
- Properly maintaining swimming pools
- Cleaning clogged roof gutters
- Eliminating overgrown grass, weeds, and shrubbery
- Clearing drainage ditches of debris and weeds
- Packing tree holes with sand
- Keeping boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
- Stocking ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows.
In a release Friday, DHEC reports what they are calling “a significant increase” in the detection of West Nile Virus in Richland County.
Health officials say they are alerting residents because of the multiple confirmed birds, mosquitoes, and human cases clustered in time and geographic location.
Six human cases have been reported in Richland County in 2022. DHEC considers this an outbreak in progress and is urging Richland County and Midlands residents to use personal protective measures against mosquitos, including repellant. For more information https://scdhec.gov/environment/insects-animals/mosquitoes-south-carolina
