West Nile Virus in Anderson, SC

If you were in Anderson County in 2017, you would have found yourself in the middle of an outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV)—a zoonotic disease originating in birds and transmitted to humans and other animals by mosquitoes. It is endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

On this particular occasion, Gregory Pest Solutions was an integral part of the solution. Read on to learn what happened, how we provided emergency protection for Carolina residents, how the virus spreads, and ways to protect your home and business from mosquito-borne illnesses.

Understanding the West Nile Virus Outbreak in Anderson County

When West Nile Virus (WNV) hit Anderson County in 2017, South Carolina reported seven confirmed human cases, including one fatality. The virus was first detected in a dead bird, prompting public health authorities to issue an alert and engage Gregory Pest to carry out emergency treatment in the affected areas.

The Ecology and Transmission of West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes, but it originates in birds. Some birds act as “amplifiers”, developing high levels of the virus in their bloodstream. When a mosquito bites one of these birds, it becomes a “vector”—or virus carrier that can infect both humans and animals when it bites.

Humans and animals, however, are considered “dead-end hosts”. This means that when we’re bitten, the virus doesn’t multiply in our blood; it effectively reaches a “dead end” and can’t spread any further. Even so, we can still be infected—and it can be fatal.

How Does West Nile Virus Affect Humans?

Although West Nile can have serious consequences, 80% of people who contract the disease won’t develop symptoms or even realize they have it. Of the 20% who do exhibit symptoms, very few cases result in fatalities. 

Symptoms of WNV include:

• Headache
• Body aches
• Joint pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Fortunately, fewer than 1% of people with symptoms develop serious complications that attack the central nervous system. However, among these, the fatality rate is around 10%.

Our Professional Response to West Nile Virus in Anderson, SC

A Gregory Board-Certified Entomologist directed the response, which included spraying affected areas. Proven specialist treatments were applied by our experts, covering a three-mile radius, targeting key sites in Anderson County, Union County, and Rock Hill.

Targeted Adulticide and Larvicide Treatments

Anderson County selected the Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) mosquito treatment, which involves releasing tiny liquid droplets of insecticide into the air to specifically target adult mosquitoes.

We used Aqua-reslin insecticide from Envu because it leaves no residue and has a proven track record. Gregory Pest ULV truck-mounted equipment sprayed the affected sites overnight between July 21 and 22, when mosquitoes are most active, and to protect pollinating organisms in surrounding trees or thick vegetation.

We also used larvicide in areas where water collected, such as storm drains and retention ponds. Designed by experts as an advanced biological interruption to the mosquitoes’ life cycle, it targets mosquito larvae that have already hatched from eggs and prevents them from developing into adult mosquitoes. A second ULV treatment was applied in August.

Practical Steps for Local Mosquito Prevention

There are no licensed vaccines or medicines available to prevent West Nile Virus disease in humans. So the best way to protect yourself and your family is to prevent bites from mosquitoes: 

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents
• Use DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes
• Wear light coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, plus close-toed shoes
• Keep doors shut and repair window and door screens
• Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn
• Use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning
• Unclog drains and ditches, and remove neglected water containers
• Get rid of old tires, buckets, cans, and anything else that can hold water
• Apply mosquito dunks or larvicides to small areas of standing water

Protect Your Home or Business from Mosquito-Borne Illness

For over 50 years, our licensed experts at Gregory Pest Solutions have protected Carolina citizens from infectious diseases. By eradicating and deterring mosquitoes with science-backed, professional-grade methods, we've earned the South Carolina State Term Contract. Our residential mosquito control service draws on this expertise to deliver continuous extermination and prevention plans that help keep the skeeters at bay.

Businesses rely on us, too. Our commercial mosquito treatment delivers rapid, high-impact control that keeps your operation running while protecting your staff, customers, and brand reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions