Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Columbia SC

This news just out today, Thursday, July 19, 2012.  An official at the City of Columbia indicates that West Nile virus has been reported in the 2200 block of Bull Street in downtown Columbia. The West Nile virus was determined to be the cause of death for birds that were discovered downtown. The trapping should reveal which strain of mosquitoes is carrying the virus which will then determine how the city will follow up to help prevent further outbreaks of the deadly disease.

West Nile Virus is a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. About 80% of people that are bitten by an infected mosquito will show no symptoms while others may experience any of the following symptoms from days up to weeks:

• fever
• headache
• body aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen lymph glands

Unfortunately, a small number of those infected will develop a severe illness which can include the above symptoms but also including disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus and people over 50 are at greater risk. The best protection from West Nile Virus is preventing contact with mosquitoes as much as possible since we won’t know which ones are carrying West Nile Virus and other diseases. Mosquito Squad of Columbia provides a barrier treatment program that rids your yard of mosquitoes and ticks. Feel confident that you and your family can spend time outdoors without the threat of dangerous bites. We were recently interviewed by Columbia’s CBS affiliate WLTX. 

Mosquitoes are the most deadly animal on the planet, killing more than a million people per year worldwide.

Call Mosquito Squad today start protecting your yard and keeping your family safe from mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.