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Officials: Third case of West Nile Virus in Columbia confirmed


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Officials: Third case of West Nile Virus in Columbia confirmed

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The Columbia Police Department's Code Enforcement Division has confirmed a third case of West Nile Virus found in a dead bird in Columbia.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) tested the bird that was found on Heidt Street in the Historic Waverly District.

The City of Columbia was alerted of two dead birds found and tested positive for West Nile Virus earlier this week. One was found at Lang Road in the Barhamville Estates Neighborhood; the other was found at Wando Street in the Central Rosewood Neighborhood.

The department's Code Enforcement Division will be spraying for mosquito reduction in South Columbia.

Plan of Action:

On Sunday, September 23, 2018, Code Enforcement personnel will begin spraying the affected area to:

  • Limit new mosquitoes from hatching;
  • Continue conducting source reduction efforts for all possible breeding sites;
  • Set mosquito surveillance traps in the affected area (defined as a 0.5 mile radius from where the bird was discovered) to test the mosquito population for prevalence of the virus.

In addition, on Monday, September 24, 2018, city personnel will begin spraying for adult mosquitoes during the hours of midnight-dawn, and will continue spraying through Tuesday, and as needed thereafter.

Additional Information Regarding Spraying:

Spraying is usually conducted between midnight and dawn; however, it is possible for spraying to be conducted earlier depending on conditions.

Residents allergic to the products permethrin or tau-fluvalinate are asked to notify Vector Control staff by calling the Code Enforcement Division at 803-545-4229.

All beekeepers also should call Code Enforcement to notify staff of their hives

West Nile Virus Preventative Measures:

Residents are urged to take these preventive measures to reduce the threat of mosquitoes:

  • Use, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Clear drainage ditches of debris and weeds
  • Pack tree holes with sand
  • Clean clogged roof gutters
  • Keep boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
  • Stock ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows
  • Properly maintain swimming pools
  • Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and containers used to root plants at least once a week
  • Make sure there are screens on rain barrels and use the water as soon as possible.


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