First West Nile Case Of The Year Reported in Louisiana
We are now dealing with a rash of mosquitoes across Louisiana. It’s a problem at dusk across the Shreveport Bossier area. Caddo Mosquito Control has been busy out spraying to try to get rid of the pests. But the recent rains we have had didn’t help.
Now the Louisiana Department of Health confirms the first human case of West Nile virus.
Where Was the Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed?
This case was confirmed in an individual from Livingston Parish who had to be rushed to the hospital because of complications. No other details about the age of the patient will be released.
How Bad Can West Nile Virus Be?
The LDH says about 1 in 150 people who are infected with WNV “develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which may even cause paralysis or death.”
West Nile virus was first detected in the state in 2002 and it has been spreading ever since. So far this year, West Nile Virus has been confirmed in 14 parishes. This is the first human case.
Last year, there were 57 confirmed human cases of WNV in Louisiana, including three deaths.
KEEL News checked in with the folks at Caddo Parish Mosquito Control and they tell us 2 mosquitos from our area have tested positive for WNV so far this year. But again, there have been no human cases so far this summer.
Humans contract West Nile virus from mosquitoes and the virus can cause mild to severe illnesses. Most people will have very few symptoms. But about 20% will have a fever that may be accompanied by flu-like illness.
A small number of folks can develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a severe illness that affects the central nervous system and can result in hospitalization or even death.
What You Can Do to Prevent the Spread of West Nile Virus?
- Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellent outdoors.
- Apply repellent on exposed skin only. Do not apply under clothing or on broken skin.
- Apply sunscreen first, insect repellent second, if you are also wearing sunscreen.
- Eliminate standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, especially if they go unused. Be aware that mosquitoes also breed in water accumulated on pool covers.
Get more information by visiting the CDC’s Fight the Bite for more tips on preventing mosquito-borne diseases.