UPDATE: Duplin County government computers still offline after malware

Officials in Duplin County say they still don't know what caused a malware problem on government computers.

Earlier this week, Duplin County government had to take their computers offline because of malware.

A spokesperson said Thursday that they will be brought back online soon, although it is unclear exactly when. They are using temporary phone numbers to provide services to the public for now. Those numbers are listed on the Duplin County government website and Facebook page.

Online payments are still being accepted. Any payments in person must be in cash or check because cards cannot be accepted at this time.

Officials say professionals are working to figure out where the virus started.

A malware problem is causing an Eastern Carolina county to take its computer system offline.

Duplin County government says the county's IT infrastructure being taken down means some services to the public may be limited, "but emergency and essential operations will continue as usual."

The county says they are working to get back online as soon as possible.

Duplin County says so far the county has not received a ransom demand connected to the malware. Last year, both the city of Greenville and the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority were victims of ransomware, causing their systems to be down for weeks.