The West Nile Virus Has Infected An Individual In South Carolina
The West Nile Virus Has Infected An Individual In South Carolina
Last year Americans were concerned about the spread of the Zika virus. However, it seems that Zika is not the mosquito-borne disease to fear these days, as infection rates in America have sharply decreased. Surprisingly, the virus to fear now is the West Nile virus. The Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed that an individual had tested positive for the West Nile virus in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Not only that, but mosquito traps located in the Oakdale neighborhood of Rock Hill contained mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus. Luckily, health officials in Rock Hill are not taking this matter lightly. Insect pest controllers are planning on spraying an insecticide in response to the unfortunate findings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have clear guidelines outlining how health officials are to handle scenarios like the one in Rock Hill. As you can imagine, many residents of Rock Hill are concerned, and some frightened, about what will transpire now that the West Nile virus has popped up in their city. Also, some residents are concerned about the use of chemicals that will be used to combat the spread of the disease.
Insect-pest control professionals are planning on spraying an area around the Oakdale fire station for a few hours Wednesday night. A one mile radius surrounding the fire station will contain an insecticide known as Aqua-Reslin. An area around three different schools will also be sprayed with the solution. The insecticide spray is not harmful to humans, but residents should nevertheless avoid areas that will be exposed to the insecticide, just for a short time. Residents are also being told to rid their yards of anything that attracts mosquitoes, such as standing water
Those with pre-existing medical issues, and people ill from cancer are known to experience symptoms of West Nile that are worse than normal. One in five infected individuals will begin experiencing symptoms of the virus within fourteen days. Recovery can take months, and no vaccine has yet been developed.
Do you believe that Rock Hill will see any residents contract the West Nile virus? Are mosquito populations numerous and unavoidable in the state of South Carolina?
