Tega Cay sprays after Zika diagnosis

As precaution, mosquito spraying in Tega Cay began Thursday after the state confirmed a Zika virus case with city ties.

York County leaders held a press event July 18 confirming a Zika case. No local mosquitoes tested positive for the virus, but a local resident had contracted the virus while traveling. It was the 22nd travel-related Zika case in South Carolina. The first was in April.

County officials sent an announcement July 21 announcing the mosquito spraying in Tega Cay. Hours after the county announcement, Tega Cay City Council met for its regular meeting. The city had few details. Because of privacy laws, the state offered little to city leaders except to say someone had the virus “at a critical time” for possible spreading while in Tega Cay.

“This individual either lives in Tega Cay or at least spent time in Tega Cay,” said Charlie Funderburk, city manager. “They did contract this virus while traveling abroad.”

The city was informed spraying was needed within a 500-yard radius of the area.

“They’re treating the mosquitoes here as a precautionary measure,” Funderburk said.

Mayor George Sheppard talked with Duke Energy representatives, who said the company has a regular mosquito control program. On May 2, the company sprayed as part of its 93rd annual effort. Duke would spray again following the diagnosis.

“Duke will be treating our area this week,” Sheppard said.

On Thursday night, a spray truck arrived at more than a dozen streets near Tega Cay Drive. The city sent out notices ahead of the spray.

“If you live on one of these streets,” the notice states, “please remove any children’s toys from your front yards, keep your pets inside or, at a minimum in the back yard, and remove any water bowls/containers from the front yards until tomorrow. The material being sprayed is not an aerosol but we are asking that you take these extra precautions.”

The city asked residents to alter plans to walk, bike or jog in the area during the 9 p.m. spraying. The city encouraged residents to take extra precaution by using insect repellent, making sure screens are over windows and emptying containers holding water.

Of the 22 reported South Carolina Zika cases, 21 were residents who contracted the virus abroad. One was sexually transmitted to a South Carolina resident from someone who had traveled abroad. The state health department does not provide specific information on physical condition, hospitalization, age, sex and residence.

A travel advisory is in place for travelers to South America, where the virus is common. Pregnant women are at particular risk, with Zika leading to cases of birth defect and “poor pregnancy outcomes,” according to the state health department.

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This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 11:34 AM with the headline "Tega Cay sprays after Zika diagnosis."