Myrtle Beach has West Nile virus cases. Should you be worried about influx of mosquitoes?

Two cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Myrtle Beach, according to the South Carolina Department of Health.

West Nile is spread by mosquitoes, which have increased because of the wet weather and are expected to increase in South Carolina because of Hurricane Helene.

Helene caused major destruction, including flooding, across parts of South Carolina. The flooding could produce an influx of mosquitoes .

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention , “an increase in nuisance or floodwater mosquito populations is expected in the weeks after flooding.”

The S.C. health department reports that most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. However, about one in five people infected becomes ill within two to 14 days with symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

The city of Myrtle Beach announced by email that it will increase its regular spraying and eradication efforts as a precaution. This includes more intense aerial spraying to treat adult mosquitoes, treating standing water with larvicide briquets and assisting the Department of Health in trapping mosquitoes for inspection, the email stated.

Weekly seasonal spraying for all areas of the city began in May and occurs weekly.

Horry County has also been aerial spraying to help reduce the number of the insects.

The city is urging residents to help decrease the mosquito population and avoid mosquito bites by:

• Eliminate all standing water (mosquito breeding grounds) in flowerpots, lids, toys, gutters, pet bowls, pool covers, old tires, buckets and more. Keep them emptied.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions.
• Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
• Exposure to mosquitoes is most common during the early morning. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.