{"id":4280,"date":"2026-08-04T17:36:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:36:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=4280"},"modified":"2026-08-04T17:36:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:36:06","slug":"west-nile-confirmed-in-richland-county-officials-say-heres-how-to-stay-safer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=4280","title":{"rendered":"West Nile confirmed in Richland County, officials say. Here\u2019s how to stay safer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The first case of West Nile virus of the year in Richland County was confirmed Tuesday, according to Vector Control and the South Carolina Department of Public Health.<\/p>\n

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Mosquitoes that were sampled tested positive for the disease, Richland County officials said in a news release.<\/p>\n

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In addition to increased surveillance in the affected areas, Richland County crews will use spray trucks to spread pesticide between midnight and dawn, though operations could begin earlier depending on conditions, according to the release.<\/p>\n

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This will \u201creduce the number of the pests and help protect public health,\u201d officials said in the release.<\/p>\n

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When a spray truck is nearby, residents should remain indoors so crews can effectively cover the area, but Vector Control will not apply pesticides to private property, according to the release.<\/p>\n

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\u201cRoutine surveillance allows us to identify disease activity early and respond quickly to reduce the risk of transmission,\u201d Richland County Vector Control Manager Olin Towery said in the release.<\/p>\n

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West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected insects, officials said. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds, according to S.C. Department of Public Health.<\/p>\n

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While most people infected do not develop symptoms, some can experience fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, rash, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the release. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological illness, particularly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, officials said.<\/p>\n

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There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, so prevention is the best defense, according to the release.<\/p>\n

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The virus is naturally present in South Carolina, and late summer and early fall are typically the peak times for mosquito-borne disease to spread, officials said. Vector Control\u2019s surveillance program uses traps placed around Richland County to monitor populations of the insects and test for mosquito-borne viruses, including West Nile, according to the release.<\/p>\n

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\u201cRoutine surveillance allows us to identify disease activity early and respond quickly to reduce the risk of transmission,\u201d said Olin Towery, manager of Richland County Vector Control.<\/p>\n

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Residents are encouraged to report areas of standing water or excessive mosquito activity to Vector Control by calling 803-929-6000. Residents can also request service at this number. Vector Control services are limited to areas outside Columbia city limits. Residents within the city should call 803-545-4229 for mosquito services.<\/p>\n

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Find more information about West Nile virus, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhile the risk to the general public remains low, residents should take simple precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites,\u201d Towery said.<\/p>\n

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Five Ds to stay safe<\/h2>\n

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Vector Control encourages residents to follow the following instructions to reduce the chances of being bitten:<\/i><\/p>\n

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