CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The threat of birth defects caused by the Zika virus has local governments focused on preventing the spread of the illness locally.
Horry County officials have been stepping up their efforts to get a handle on the mosquito borne illness, through education and increased enforcement.
The CDC says South Carolina has had six travel-associated cases of Zika virus.
Five of those travelers were infected abroad and diagnosed after they got home, the most recent was the first sexually transmitted case.
So far, no one in Horry County has been infected and the type of mosquito that carries the virus hasn’t been found in the state.
County officials recently released an educational video to help spread the message that the best way people can protect themselves, is by eliminating places mosquitos can breed.
Anywhere standing water can gather can be prime breeding grounds. Officials say tipping and tossing water-filled containers once a week can dramatically reduce mosquito populations
“Tip and toss. It sounds simple but we get lots of calls and complaints about the mosquitos and they automatically want us to come out and spray, but sometimes spraying is not going to work if people are not doing their part,” said Horry County spokesperson Lisa Bourcier.
The county has been actively meeting with homeowners to point out and get rid of potential problem areas.
To help stop the spread the county has also increased enforcement of a nuisance ordinance that requires people to keep their properties in good condition.
“We have sent out pretty recently some warning letters to homeowners giving them about 10 days to clean up their properties, if not we do have ordinances in the books where we can bring law enforcement in to step up those measures,” said Bourcier.
County officials have also created door hangers with tips for homeowners on how to stop mosquitos from breeding on their property as part of their efforts.
