West Nile virus cases confirmed in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The South Carolina Department of Health (DPH) has confirmed two cases of West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, in Myrtle Beach.

As a precautionary measure, the city is increasing its regular spraying and eradication efforts.

These include more intensive aerial spraying to treat adult mosquitoes, treating standing water with larvicide briquettes, and assisting the DPH in capturing mosquitoes for inspection. Weekly seasonal spraying began in May and still occurs weekly.

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Here are the steps residents can take to reduce the mosquito population and avoid mosquito bites:

• Eliminate all standing water (mosquito breeding grounds) from flower pots, lids, toys, gutters, food bowls, pool covers, old tires, buckets and more. Keep them empty.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil or IR 3535 according to label directions.
• Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
• Contact with mosquitoes is most common early in the morning. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shady areas. Make sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.

The Health Ministry said most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Around one in five infected people becomes ill within two to 14 days with symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain and occasionally nausea and vomiting. The risk of serious illness is low.

To learn more about the virus, click here.