West Nile virus has been detected in Forest Acres and St. Andrews.

Richland County officials will begin spraying those areas for mosquitoes this week, county officials said.

Officials cautioned residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and avoid standing water on their property.

“We strongly encourage everyone to take personal protective measures even though they may not be within the specific areas we mentioned,” said Tammy Brewer, manager of Vector Control for Richland County.

Lexington County residents should take caution but not be overly concerned.

Most people exposed to West Nile virus experience no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 1 in 5 who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Richland County had 10 confirmed cases of West Nile in birds in 2018, but no human cases.

Lexington County had no confirmed cases of the virus last year, according to SCDHEC.

Lexington County’s Vector Control treats roadside ditches, retention and detention ponds that are along county-maintained roads, Lexington County spokesperson Harrison Cahill told the Chronicle.

“We do not fog during the day while honey bees are actively foraging. Residents who do not want us to fog their area due to respiratory conditions, or who have active bee hives, may call the County’s Vector Control at

(803) 785-8440,” Cahill said.

Vector Control will also respond to resident mosquito issues, Cahill said.

To request a free property inspection, call Vector Control.