Mosquito-borne illnesses can be prevented

The state is hoping that local communities will start to plan now for mosquito-borne illnesses that warmer weather will bring.  The historic flooding in October, coupled with a relatively warm winter, has the potential to increase mosquito populations and the threat of disease.  The state Department of Health and Environmental Control urges local governments to review, update or create ordinances to help their mosquito control programs reduce or treat standing water that provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.  And Dr. Peter Adler, Clemson University entomologist, says the public should be mindful of the Zika virus.  Adler says the principal carrier of that virus is found in small numbers in South Carolina’s low country.  Local authorities can help decrease the probability of any above mosquito-borne diseases by reducing the available breeding habitats in their communities—including roadsides, by removing any container-like objects that hold water.