Crews to Conduct Mosquito Spraying in Response to Confirmed West Nile Case in Rock Hill
Rock Hill, South Carolina – In response to a confirmed human case of the West Nile virus in Rock Hill, local health administrators have resolved to begin a widespread spraying initiative against mosquitoes.
Confirmation of West Nile Case Prompts Swift Action
The alarming presence of this mosquito-borne disease represents a significant public health risk that demands immediate attention. Thus, following the confirmation of the West Nile virus in a local resident, the South Carolina Department of Public Health swiftly communicated with the York County Office of Emergency Management on August 23, outlining the urgent need for control measures.
The recommended control measures include the eradication of standing water sources where mosquitoes breed, using insect repellants, keeping skin covered as much as possible, and ensuring windows and doors are kept closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
Implementing a Spray-down Operation
In addition to the aforementioned control measures, the Department of Public Health also advised for a judicious spraying operation to control the current mosquito population. The spraying initiative is set to take place within a 1-mile radius of Constitution Blvd, Westerwood Drive, and Fargo Street. The operation is slated to commence on Monday evening, August 26, at around 9.pm.
Crews will be engaging a truck-mounted sprayer to effectively cover a 1-mile radius of the affected streets. The chosen pesticide for use is a material known as Envion 4-4, which according to officials, poses no harm to people, pets, other insects, and gardens. Despite its safety profile, it is still advised for people not to be directly in the path of the spray. Moreover, beekeepers within the radius have been alerted to cover their hives on the night of the spraying to protect their bees from potential contact with the insecticide.
Risk of Serious Illness is Low
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that most people infected with the West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms. However, that does not make the risk of contraction negligible, thus necessitating these aggressive control measures.
The last confirmed case of West Nile in Rock Hill dates back to September 2020. Any concerns or questions about the spraying operation or the West Nile virus can be addressed to the York County Office of Emergency Management at (803) 326-2300.
