IBERIA PARISH, La. ( KLFY ) — Mosquitoes are not just an annoying part of living in Louisiana, but a potentially dangerous one.
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL), has reported West Nile virus activity in mosquito samples submitted for testing by the Iberia Parish Mosquito Control District .
According to the CDC, most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people.
The district is urging citizens to follow simple guidelines to protect against mosquito bites during the height of WNV and encephalitis transmission season. Residents are urged to take personal protective measures to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile, St. Louis Encephalitis , Eastern Equine Encephalitis , Zika and Dengue .
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The district will help reduce risk with ground and aerial spray operations as dictated by mosquito surveillance and best practices, according to a release.
“It is imperative that citizens keep insect repellent handy, wear light colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants when outdoors and get rid of mosquito breeding sites near the home,” the release read.
Herff Jones with the Iberia Parish Mosquito Abatement District said for the past 18 years his department has sent samples for genetic testing of viruses in mosquitoes to the Louisiana Animal Diagnostic Laboratory.
“West Nile in mosquitoes has never been more than 6% at any one time over that 18 year span and is typically around 2% from year to year,” Jones said.
Robert Thibodeaux with J & J Exterminating said mosquito abatement programs are another way of preventing viruses spread through mosquitoes.
“The best thing to do is the day after the rain, go out and inspect yard,” Thibodeaux said. “Inspect all your toys, inspect your potted plants. inspect anywhere that’s still holding water the next day. and that’s the best time to do those inspections to make sure you’re being proactive to keep those nesting sites out of your.”
Residents are urged to follow these guidelines recommended by the CDC:
- Apply mosquito repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and apply as directed on the label.
- Protect children sensitive to insect bites with repellent and cover exposed skin — there are many preparations sold in drug stores and camping sections of local stores that are formulated for adults as well as children.
- Wear Light colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants when outdoors particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Avoid wearing perfumes or colognes when outside for prolonged periods.
- Drain all sources of standing water near your home (i.e., cans, barrels, planters, tires, containers and tarps).
- Keep all pools, spas, bird baths, ponds and fountains clean and free of debris.
- Maintain tight fitting screens on doors and windows.
- Don’t feed the storm drains. Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways.
If you have any questions or mosquito related problems, feel free to contact the district office at (337) 365-4933.
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