The number of cases of West Nile virus is increasing in South Carolina. Horry County mosquito control plans to combat any increase in mosquito populations with increased spraying.

"Due to the large amount of rainfall over the past few weeks, mosquito populations are rising. Horry County Mosquito Control will be spraying by truck and by airplane for the next few weeks to combat this," Lisa Bourcier, county spokesman said.

The following areas are scheduled to be sprayed by air next week, weather permitting:

• -Green Sea
• -Loris
• -Red Hill/Lee's Landing
• -Bakers Chapel
• -Red Bluff

Chris Evans with the Department of Health and Environmental Control says there had been 28 cases of the mosquito-borne illness reported in the state as of last week. Fifteen of those are human, and one was in our area in Marlboro County. This week's figures are not yet available.

Experts say dumping anything with standing water where mosquitoes breed is the best way to avoid the virus. They also suggest wearing long sleeves and pants, keeping screens on windows and using bug repellents.

DHEC says illness from the West Nile Virus can have flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain and nausea and vomiting.

Most of South Carolina's cases have been concentrated along the coast towards Charleston, Beaufort, and Berkley counties.

The AP contributed to this report.