The City of Tega Cay received a press release from York County today regarding the West Nile Virus:
"York County has received confirmation from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) of a positive test result of West Nile Virus from their routine mosquito surveillance program.
No human or animal infections have been confirmed in York County this season. This is not an uncommon occurrence, as York County typically experiences positive cases of West Nile in the mosquito population during mosquito seasons. The West Nile Virus has been found in 46 of the 50 US States for many years. The virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The signs and symptoms of the West Nile Virus are similar to the flu. Those most susceptible to the virus are the elderly, young, and immune-depressed people; 70-80% of infected individuals never notice the effects of the virus.
SCDHEC continues their testing and surveillance program to keep York County and Municipalities informed. York County Government will continue to provide updates as they are received.
The best way to prevent spread of West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses is to eliminate their breeding grounds.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites:
• Reduce the numbers of adult mosquitoes around your home.
o Drain, fill, or eliminate sites that have standing water.
o Empty or throw away containers that have standing water.
• Keep mosquitoes outside: Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window/door screens.
• Avoid Mosquitoes: Most mosquito species bite during dawn, dusk, twilight hours, and night. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas. Avoid exposure during these times and in these areas. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Wear insect repellent: When used as directed, insect repellent is the BEST way to protect yourself from mosquito bites—even children and pregnant women should protect themselves.
o DEET: Products containing DEET include Cutter, OFF!, Skintastic.
o Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin): Products containing
picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan
outside the United States).
o Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD: Repel contains OLE.
o IR3535: Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus
Expedition and SkinSmart
For additional information, please visit or contact the following: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control:
http://www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Insects/Mosquitoes/
Jim Beasley: 803-898-7769, SCDHEC PIO"