YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A case of the West Nile virus was confirmed in a Rock Hill resident on Friday, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Now, county leaders are trying to keep the virus from spreading to more people.
The virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. DHEC asked residents to eliminate areas of standing water, use insect repellant, keep their skin covered, and keep windows and doors closed to prevent mosquito exposure.
In an effort to control the current mosquito population, York County officials said they’d spray for mosquitoes within a 1-mile radius of Constitution Boulevard, Westerwood Drive, and Fargo Street.
“Basically, they are going after adult mosquitos,” said Greg Suskin with York County. “And this is because that one case was discovered, they feel like this is the target area to help wipe this out.”
The spraying was scheduled for Monday evening beginning at 9 p.m. Crews will use a truck-mounted sprayer to spread Envion 4-4, an insecticide, in the 1-mile radius surrounding these streets.
Health officials said while the material is not harmful to people, pets, other insects, or gardens, they shouldn’t be directly in the path of the spray. Beekeepers within the 1-mile radius are advised to cover their hives Monday night.
According to the CDC’s website, most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. The risk of serious illness is low.
The last confirmed West Nile case in Rock Hill occurred in September 2020.
More information about the virus, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention, can be found here.
For any questions or concerns about the mosquito spraying, please call the York County Office of Emergency Management at 803-326-2300.
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