Mosquito season is in full swing here in South Louisiana and the good news for our state is that
not one of Louisiana’s cities made the 2018 Top 25 America’s Most Mosquito-Infested Cities list. The
bad news is that while we don’t have as many mosquitoes as some other states, many of the
mosquitoes we do have flying around are infested with the West Nile Virus. As of today, Louisiana has
the highest rate of West Nile in the United States with 53 human cases and 2 reported deaths.
West Nile Virus affects different people in different ways. A large majority of people who
contract West Nile Virus may be completely asymptomatic. About 1 in every 5 people who are infected
with West Nile Virus will develop a fever and experience flu-like symptoms. A very small number,
approximately 1 in every 150 people, will develop “neuroinvasive” disease, which affects the brain and
spinal cord. This rare, but serious complication can cause paralysis, brain damage, and even death. The
potential severity of West Nile Virus makes it vital that you protect yourself and your children from this
disease!
Prevention is key to avoiding mosquito bites and the diseases they carry. Make sure that there
is no standing water near your home. Check containers around your home such as garbage cans,
planters, toys, etc. and dump any standing water. Apply an EPA approved insect repellant and if you are
not sure which repellant is right for you, you can search the EPA’s website at
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you. Remember, you should not use insect
repellants on babies that are less than 2 months of age. Everyone should dress in long sleeves and long
pants especially if they anticipate being near any body of water or in a wooded area. Use air
conditioning if available and keep doors and windows without screens closed. In heavily infested areas,
you may want to consider using mosquito netting as well.
