MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES IN S.C.

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2 MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES IN S.C. At least 61 different species of mosquitoes exist in South Carolina. Mosquitoes are pests that can cause itchy bites, but they can also cause serious health issues. Mosquitoes can carry harmful viruses and parasites that infect millions of people worldwide each year. Mosquito-borne diseases can cause brain inflammation (or encephalitis), birth defects, internal bleeding, complications from parasites and even death in some cases. Disease monitoring The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) works with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and local partners to monitor mosquito-borne diseases that can be spread to humans. The agency conducts testing for mosquito-borne diseases in people and birds and coordinates testing of mosquitoes and other animals, mainly horses. The agency also provides data and information to help individuals and communities take action to reduce mosquito populations in their area and prevent bites that can spread disease. Some of the most common existing / potential mosquito-borne viruses and parasites in South Carolina include: Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) viruses, including West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis virus Heartworms in dogs and cats Other high-profile mosquito-borne diseases found in the United States and abroad include: Chikungunya Cache Valley Dengue Filariasis Jamestown Canyon La Crosse Malaria Tensaw Yellow fever Zika As of April 13, 2016, there are no confirmed cases of Zika virus in South Carolina, but it is a high priority that is being closely monitored in close collaboration with the CDC. For more information and state data on mosquito-borne (or arbovirus) diseases, visit South Carolina Zika Forum CR /16

3 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES Mosquitoes spread Zika and other viruses. Night or day, be prepared Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night. Other mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk. Use insect repellent It works! Look for these active ingredients: DEET PICARIDIN IR3535 OIL of LEMON EUCALYPTUS PARA-MENTHANE-DIOL Smart Wear protective clothes Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. For extra protection, treat clothing with permethrin. Mosquito-proof your home Use screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning when available. Rid your yard and home of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Empty and turn over containers that hold water, such as cans, bottles and flower pots, and clean out clogged gutters. For more information: DHEC CR

4 Mosquitoes develop in water that stands for more than five days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, eliminate all standing water and debris. Here are some spots where water can collect or where poor maintenance can cause problems. Protect your home against MOSQUITOES 1 2 Pool cover that collects water; neglected swimming pool or child s wading pool 3 Birdbath (change water weekly) and garden pond (stock with fish) 1 4 Any toy, garden equipment, or container that can hold water 5 Flat roof with standing water Clogged rain gutter (home and street) Trash and old tires; Drill drain holes in bottom of tire swings 7 Tree rot hole, hollow stump, or rain puddle 8 9 Missing, damaged, or improperly installed screens Uncovered boat or boat cover that collects water 10 Leaky faucet or pet bowl (change water daily)

5 MOSQUITO CONTROL ADVICE Photos of larvae and pupae courtesy of Photo of adult mosquito courtesy of Locate Sites Where Mosquitoes Breed All mosquitoes need standing water to begin their life cycle. Any site where water stands for 5 days or more may breed mosquitoes. Locate all sites that hold water. Drain, Fill, or Get Rid of Areas that Hold Water Containers that hold water Empty and store dry or change water every few days. Swimming pools Maintain with proper chemicals. Cover or drain if not in use. Plastic sheeting or tarps used to cover yard items Pull tight so water won t pool. Garden pools/ponds Stock with fish that eat mosquitoes, such as mosquito fish (Gambusia) or small goldfish. Shallow edges of ponds Keep cleared of plants and weeds. Do not plant cattail plants in wetlands or retention ponds. Clogged ditches and pipes Clean out weeds, dirt, and debris so water flows freely. Low places, such as tire ruts or puddles Fill with dirt or cement. Tree holes and hollow stumps Pack with sand or cement. Failing septic tanks that cause sewage water to pool on top of the ground Repair. Leaky pipes and outdoor faucets Repair. Small areas of water that can t be drained Treat with mosquito control products sold at lawn and garden stores. Buy products labeled for use in water. Protect Yourself from Biting Mosquitoes Mosquitoes are active at dawn, dusk, twilight hours, and night If possible, avoid mosquitoes at these times. Some may bite in daylight, especially in shaded areas. Screens on windows, doors, and porches Install or keep in good repair. Car windows and garage doors Keep closed at night. Overgrown shrubs, grass, weeds, vines, and ground cover Trim or remove overgrown plants that provide cool/dark/damp areas where adult mosquitoes rest. Outside lighting Use yellow light bulbs or sodium vapor orange lights. Scented products Avoid wearing products that smell like fruit or flowers. Protective clothing Wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants. Treat clothing with permethrin to provide protection even through several wash cycles. Light colored clothing Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Insect repellent Wear mosquito repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or Picaridin. Mosquito coils or heated repellent pads found in lamps, lanterns, or portable units Use to repel mosquitoes in small areas. Hand held foggers Apply a pesticidal fog to provide temporary relief outdoors. Sites with Standing Water That May Breed Mosquitoes Man-Made Containers Cans Bottles Buckets Flower pot saucers Plant cuttings rooting in water Pet bowls or animal troughs Tires Birdbaths Wheel barrows Children s toys and wading pools Unmaintained swimming pools Rain barrels Clogged roof gutters & downspouts Boats Junk cars Plastic sheeting or tarps used to cover yard items Natural Containers Rock pools Tree holes Stump holes Bamboo stumps Magnolia leaves Bromeliad and Pitcher plants Natural Areas Ground pools Clogged ditches or streams Irrigated pastures or farmland River and stream floodplains Freshwater marsh and swamps Salt marsh margins Lake/Pond margins with plant growth Call your local mosquito control program to request help in locating breeding sites if you are unable to locate them yourself. We need your help controlling mosquitoes. CR /16

6 For Immediate Release October 2, 2018 Cherokee County and City of Gaffney (Bird) West Nile Virus GAFFNEY, S.C. Cherokee County has received notification from SCDHEC that a bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The response area is in the City of Gaffney and is identified on the map attached to this publication. The affected area was treated approximately two weeks ago in the City s normal vector control program, but will be treated again immediately. Information related to West Nile Virus and mosquito control can be found on the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) website at the following link: Cherokee County and the City of Gaffney will notify local media outlets and residents of mosquito control activities through the following methods: Spraying of adulticiding (mosquito control agent) as per SCDHEC recommendations by spray truck application in ongoing weather permitting. Additional application(s) of adulticiding treatment(s) will be in day intervals from the initial application (Information on the dates of these treatments will be posted on the Cherokee County website at: Please see all attachments included with this notice. All emergency services related inquiries should be directed to Rick Peterson, Cherokee County Emergency Management Director at rick.peterson@cherokeecountysc.com. All other animal, livestock, poultry, bee or agricultural questions or concerns should be directed to the Cherokee County Clemson Extension Service. MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Bratton County Administrator Cherokee County steve.bratton@cherokeecountysc.com James Taylor City Administrator City of Gaffney jtaylor@cityofgaffney-sc.gov