The Louisiana Department of Health are reminding everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites this summer that could carry and expose people to West Nile Virus. Mosquitos are more active in the warmer months and that increases the risk of contracting the disease. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol.
“West Nile was first introduced into Louisiana back in 2001 and its since become the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. and in Louisiana.”
Mosquitos normally get the virus from dead birds and while 80 percent of people show no symptoms some can develop West Nile fever which is a flu-like illness and symptoms are fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rashes.
“Some of the times these symptoms are going to subside on their own, but some people who develop West Nile fever can have fatigue and weakness that can last for several weeks”
There is no vaccine for the West Nile virus and the best course of action is preventing bites by wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts outside and apply EPA approved mosquito repellent on top of clothes and to exposed skin.
“If folks are out in the hot sun and they’re wearing sunscreen, put the sunscreen on first and then the mosquito repellent.”
And to protect your home mosquitos breed in standing water so turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, buckets and trash cans. Anything that could collect water.
