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Carolina News S.C. officials initiate virus plan ’ Associated Press Charleston — State and local health officials have met with repre sentatives from the military to develop a plan in case the West Nile virus should appear in South Carolina. The Culex mosquito, thought by sci entists to transmit the virus to humans, is native to South Carolina and several other states. Thom Berry, spokesman for the Department of Health and Environ mental Control, said there had been no reports of the virus in South Carolina, but officials were monitoring the mos quito population as a precaution. ‘ 'We haven’t seen any evidence yet, but we want to be sure just in case,” Berry said. Martin Hyatt, superintendent of Charleston County Mosquito Control, said local health officials would monitor mosquito populations in the Lowcoun try, where there are more than 50 dif ferent species of mosquito. °We should just keep our guard up and monitor,” Hyatt said. The flu-like virus is carried by some species of mosquitos and migratory birds. Seven people died and 62 more fell sick last year from the West Nile virus, which previously had never been docu mented in the Western Hemisphere. Those infected can develop a form of encephalitis. Most infections are mild and symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe in fections may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation and coma. Berry said people should see a doc tor of they experience the sudden onset of any combination of these symptoms. State officials also encourage people to help keep mosquito populations un der control by eliminating standing wa ter around their homes. Lisa Waddell, DHEC’s deputy commissioner for health services, said common mosquito breed ing grounds include used tires, bird baths, flower pots, pet dishes, toys left outside, holes in trees, children’s wading pools, unmaintained swimming pools, boats and roof gutters. ‘ ’Anywhere water is stagnant can be come a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” Whddell said. The Gamecock wants you to write for us this summer. We have open ings in News, Sports, Entertainment and Viewpoints. Call 777-7726, Russell House 333. I REPORT Compiled by Miranda LaLonde and Jonathan Dunagan Wednesday, May 24 • Grand Larceny, Gambrell Hall. Complainant stated that a person forced themselves into Gambrell Hall rooms 242, 244, 245A and 245B, and removed a Dell laptop computer, backpack, submaster key and paperwork with notes. Estimated value: $3,572. Another complaint was filed stating that a Macintosh G3 laptop was taken from Room 230. Estimated value: $3,400. Friday, May 26 • DUL N. Pickens Street. Police of ficer observed subject on N. Pick ens Street stopped at Pickens and Greene Streets, and then run a red light. The subject crossed the cen ter line several times and finally stopped on Picklens and Pendleton Streets. The subject had a strong odor of alcoholic beverages. An ad ditional police officer arrived, and it was found that the subject’s li cense was under suspension for a previous DUI, and another pending DUI. The subject was arrested. Saturday, May 27 • Criminal Domestic Violence, Hey ward Street. The victim was ob served running westbound on Hey ward, being chased by subject. A police officer detained both. The of ficer observed bruising and scratch ing on the victim, and the victim stated the subject had been abusive. Subject was arrested for criminal domestic violence. Are you Online? * If so, check us out! wusc.sc.edu • Deane Chavous Realtors • Off Campus and Convenient • 5Starting Spaces also available at Plaza Centre • Place on the Greene 1600 Park Circle #106 Columbia, SC 29201 256-3111