While no cases of locally transmitted Zika virus have been reported in Richland County, officials from several County departments are cohesively developing a response plan should the virus arrive.

Richland County Vector Control staff continue to stay abreast of the latest Zika virus news by regularly attending forums, news conferences and teleconferences focused on the disease. They encourage residents to help reduce mosquito populations around their homes and neighborhoods, as a reduction in the overall mosquito population will help reduce the threat of Zika.

“When residents empty the standing water from around their homes it makes our adult control efforts much more effective,” said Richland County Vector Control Director Tammy Brewer. “If everyone took a few minutes each week to walk around and make sure all standing water has been emptied, it would make things so much better. We have to work together.”

No special steps can be taken to target only the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) – a prominent species able to spread the virus – which is why reducing mosquito populations in general provides the best results for decreasing the risk of Zika virus transmission. Vector Control continues to provide control services throughout the County and asks residents to take precautionary steps to help stop the threat of a Zika outbreak. Those steps include:

·         Getting rid of standing water

·         Moving play equipment, unused plastic pools, old tires and other debris where water can collect

·         Keeping fresh water in pool areas, bird baths, pet bowls and other places

·         Safely using effective bug spray and repellent

·         Reducing exposure by wearing long-sleeved shirts, socks and pants

Richland County has several departments that require employees to be outdoors for long periods of time. Efforts are underway to educate employees about taking protective measures while in the field, including wearing repellant and reapplying it when necessary.

As of Aug. 22, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reports 38 cases of the Zika virus within South Carolina – 37 cases of travel-associated cases and one sexually transmitted case.  Pregnant women are most at risk as the disease leads to severe birth defects and pregnancy complications.

For more information, visit Richland County’s Zika Information webpage at www.rcgov.us/ZikaInfo.