The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed its first case of West Nile virus this year in Ouachita Parish. Last year, the state saw 86 confirmed human cases and four deaths. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there is no human vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, so it’s important to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
“Use a mosquito repellant, one that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on exposed skin; sometimes it needs to be reapplied if you’re outside for a long period of time, so look at the instructions to make sure,” Sokol explained.
If you’re wearing sunscreen, apply it first and mosquito repellent second.
Sokol says you can also help prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.
“Protect your home from mosquito breeding sites. Standing water is where mosquitoes breed. So you want to eliminate those sites near homes by emptying containers that can hold that stagnant water,” Sokol advised.
Sokol says most people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms. Around 20% develop flu-like West Nile fever, and a very small percentage develop a severe neuroinvasive disease.
“People over the age of 55 are at greater risk. And then, also, people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants,” Sokol noted.