West Nile Virus is a Real Threat in Greenville

Transmitted by mosquitoes, West Nile Virus (WNV) is a dangerous disease. Common in birds, humans and other mammals, WNV is a serious illness that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). We have several cases of human WNV every year in South Carolina and Greenville specifically has had a few confirmed cases each year for the last several years.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus doesn’t always present with symptoms. Only about 25% of people who are infected with WNV actually show symptoms at all. Those who do show WNV symptoms may experience fever, headache, body aches, rash or swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% of those infected WNV will experience severe encephalitis with symptoms that can include: high fever, convulsions, stiff neck, tremors, headache, coma, disorientation, muscle weakness or paralysis and in very few cases even death. If you think you may have WNV you should seek medical attention immediately.

West Nile Virus Prevention

With no specific treatment, cure or vaccine for WNV in humans it is best to take preventative measures to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites. Start by protecting yourself and your family in the place where you spend most of your outdoor living time, your own back yard. With Mosquito Squad of Greenville’s traditional barrier treatment we can eliminate 85-90% of the mosquitoes in your yard. Our mosquito controls mist eliminates mosquitoes on contact and continues working for up to 3 weeks. Sign up for the season and we’ll respray every 3 weeks so you don’t have to worry about WNV or any other mosquito-borne illness all season long.

West Nile Virus Reporting in Greenville

While doctors will handle reporting human cases of WNV and veterinarians will report animal cases of WNV it is up to all of us to report on dead birds. West Nile Virus actually cycles between mosquitoes and birds. Mosquitoes bite birds with high levels of WNV and become infected, passing the virus on to humans and other birds and animals.

To keep mosquito control agencies aware of WNV in their area it is important that you report dead birds from March through November to help the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) track the spread of WNV through our area. The five most important birds to report are American Crows, Fish Crows, Blue Jays, House Finches and Dead House Sparrows. Never touch a dead bird with your bare hands and check out the SCDHEC website for specific instructions.