Second Case Of West Nile Confirmed In York County

ROCK HILL, S.C. — A second confirmed case of the West Nile virus has been reported in York County.

Due to the confirmed human case and the presence in mosquitoes in the area, DHEC recommends increased education and control measures. To help prevent mosquito exposure, eliminate areas of standing water, use insect repellant, keep skin covered, and keep windows and doors closed.  To control the current mosquito population in the area, DHEC also recommends spraying for mosquitoes within a 1-mile radius of Baylor Drive.

From the roadway, Gregory Pest Solutions will use a truck mounted sprayer in the 1-mile radius surrounding Baylor Drive starting about 8 PM on Tuesday night, September 19 and will continue until early morning. The time frame could change depending on the weather forecast. The company will use the same product, called Aqua-reslin, that was used in the area of southern Rock Hill in August, and must be sprayed ahead of any forecast rain. This is being applied in an Ultra Low Volume manner, meaning only an ounce of product is used over an entire acre. While the material is not harmful to people, pets, other insects, and gardens, it’s not recommended to be directly in the path of the spray.

As was shared at a press conference on August 15, 2017, it is not uncommon for mosquitoes in the area to test positive for West Nile. Additionally, according to infectious disease specialist Dr. Arash Poursina from Piedmont Medical Center, about 80% of people with the virus never show symptoms.

The process of spraying for mosquitoes is common in other parts of South Carolina, especially near the coast. The best way to prevent the spread of West Nile is to eliminate standing water and reduce mosquito breeding grounds. To learn more about protecting yourself from mosquitos, please visit the SCDHEC website at www.scdhec.gov. For any questions or concerns regarding the mosquito control spraying effort, please call 803-326-2300.