An elderly man in Rapides Parish is severely ill
Six new cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Louisiana, bringing the total number of cases this year to 10. Three of the new cases were found in residents from Jefferson, East Feliciana and Rapides parishes who have West Nile fever, the intermediate form of the virus, with mild flu-like symptoms. Two other cases, in St. Bernard and Tangipahoa parishes, have the asymptomatic form of the disease, which does not manifest any symptoms or progress to full-blown illness.
The final case was found in an elderly man in Rapides who was diagnosed with neuroinvasive form of the disease, which is the most severe presentation of the virus, resulting in swelling of the brain or spinal cord, brain damage or death. A previous case of this type was diagnosed in Vernon Parish last week.
Last year, there were only 12 cases of West Nile in Louisiana, the lowest number reported since the state began diagnosing the virus in 2002. The disease has been on a steady decline in recent years, most notably for the neuroinvasive cases.
“Our residents have become knowledgeable about how they can prevent the virus and how we can all work together to keep these numbers down,” said Dr. Takeisha Davis, assistant state health officer.
Bolstered by a warm winter and early spring, mosquito numbers are unusually high for this time of year, according to the Mosquito and Termite Control Board.
Increased numbers of the southern house mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito have been noted in the metro area, which are both capable of spreading the virus.
The virus also spreads through birds bitten by infected mosquitoes. The birds subsequently transmit the virus to healthy mosquitoes.
Recent drought-like conditions forced mosquitoes and birds to seek out the same water sources. This increased the risk of virus transmission between the species.
About 90 percent of cases are asymptomatic, with the remaining 10 percent developing West Nile fever. Only a few cases will progress to full-fledged neuroinvasive illness.
People who are 65 years and older are more likely to have complications from the virus, but anyone can contract it.
Although summertime brings the ideal weather for outdoor activities, Davis urges adults and children to apply mosquito repellent whenever they go outside, particularly at night. Mosquitoes’ peak activity is from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Adults should wear repellent containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, while children should wear repellent that does not exceed 10 percent. Repellent is most effective when applied to clothing as well as bare skin.
Other safety precautions include emptying water from open containers and gutters, as well as ensuring that water in pools and fountains is moving. Swimming pool covers should not collect standing water. Items that could collect water — such as discarded tires, garbage receptacles and compost bins — should also be disposed of.
Maki Somosot can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org or 504.826.3318.