NEW ORLEANS, LA — The City of New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board (NOMTCB) reports that the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has identified an Orleans Parish resident infected with West Nile virus.
This is the first report of a human case in Orleans Parish since 2008.
NOMTCB has continued to detect widespread West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected from Orleans Parish. Overall numbers of the “southern house mosquito”, the primary vector of WNV, have decreased over the last three weeks; however, the virus continues to be detected in a high proportion of these mosquitoes.
Given the onset of symptoms and time it takes for testing and reporting of these infections, the Orleans parish resident was likely infected in late June.
While the majority of West Nile virus infections don’t result in symptoms, the virus can cause serious symptoms, especially for those 65 years old and older or in those with weaker immune systems.
The Mosquito and Termite Control Board has continued an aggressive aerial and truck application program targeting the “southern house mosquito,” applying larvicide to storm drains and standing water, and educating citizens through community outreach efforts.
NOMTCB urges residents of New Orleans to protect themselves from West Nile virus by avoiding mosquito bites through limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using repellants containing DEET, reducing the number of mosquitoes around the home and mosquito-proofing their homes by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
Given the large amount of precipitation in the last two weeks, it is imperative for residents to remain vigilant in removing standing water by emptying containers and changing water at least weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as bird baths and kiddie pools. The life cycle of mosquitoes (mosquitoes are laid as eggs which hatch into larvae (wigglers), develop into pupae (tumblers) and emerge as adults) can be completed within a 7 day period, making it important to evaluate yards on a weekly basis. Remove trash and clutter, including discarded tires, buckets, tarps and any other items that could collect water. Make sure swimming pools and fountains are operational and circulating.
For additional information regarding West Nile virus, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.
Residents are encouraged to contact the New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board to treat standing water, report abandoned pools, or with any other questions or concerns, (504) 658-2400.