Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012 - 382 cases, of which 156 are neuroinvasive disease, and 17 deaths

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West Nile found in St. Rose mosquitos

Updated: Jun 18, 2012 9:46 AM CDT

St. Rose, La. - The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed a mosquito sample positive for West Nile Encephalitis in St. Rose.
...
All residents are urged to avoid mosquito bites by avoiding being outside at dawn and dusk, wearing pants and long sleeves and using insect repellant containing DEET.
...

http://www.fox8live.com/story/18814253/west-nile-found-in-st-rose-mosquitos

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

DHH Reports 2012?s First Case of West Nile Virus

Health Officials Encourage Residents to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves

Friday, June 22, 2012 | Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-7913

Baton Rouge?The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has reported the state's first case of West Nile virus in a human in 2012. The case was confirmed June 21 in St. Bernard Parish, and was asymptomatic, which means the individual had no sign of illness.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: neuroinvasive, West Nile fever and asymptomatic. A neuroinvasive illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. West Nile fever is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.

According to State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard, the first human cases are typically reported around mid-July each year. He also recommends that citizens take precautions to protect themselves.

"West Nile virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites," Dr. Ratard said. "No matter what time of year it is, and no matter how active the season, it is important for residents to take preventive steps to control the mosquito population near and around homes and play areas, and try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."


Protect Yourself

• If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing 20 - 30 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children.
• Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
• To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
• Adults should always apply repellent to children.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
• Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.

Mosquito Population Control

• Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
• Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
• Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

Louisiana Numbers

Last year, Louisiana recorded 12 cases of West Nile virus, the lowest number over the 10 years the state has been tracking the disease. The highest number of cases came in 2002, the first year of tracking, with 328 cases.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2518

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

West Nile virus detected in mosquito samples in Orleans Parish

wwltv.com
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Updated today at 11:58 AM

<?xml:namespace prefix = fb /><fb:like class=" fb_edge_widget_with_comment fb_iframe_widget" layout="button_count" show_faces="false" action="recommend" width="130"></fb:like>
NEW ORLEANS -- Traces of West Nile virus have been detected in mosquitos collected in Orleans Parish, city officials said, though there is no sign yet of any humans with the disease.

The city's Mosquito and Termite Control Board has stepped up its aerial and truck spraying for mosquitoes as a result of the discovery, according to a news release.

...
http://www.wwltv.com/news/West-Nile-...160702055.html

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

Jeff Parish announces aerial mosquito spraying slated for Monday night

wwltv.com
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Aerial spraying in response to elevated nuisance mosquito counts is scheduled to take place on the evening of Monday, July 2, 2012, over parts of Jefferson Parish.

Low-level aerial spraying will take place on the East and West Bank of Jefferson Parish from 8:00 p.m. ? 10:15 p.m.

More...

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Jeff-Parish-announces-aerial-mosquito-spraying-slated-for-Monday-night-160739965.html

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

More West Nile found

<!-- BYLINE -->Kris Johnson
Staff Writer

<!-- PUBDATE -->Published: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 12:09 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 12:09 p.m.

More mosquitoes around Terrebonne Parish have tested positive for the West Nile virus, mosquito-control officials said.
...
The latest sample was collected June 27. Now, mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus in the Oaklawn Subdivision, Howard Avenue near Prospect Boulevard, Legion Park, Upper Dularge, Acadian Subdivision, New Orleans Boulevard, La. 311, and near St. Louis Canal Road.

One sentinel chicken in Terrebonne Parish has also tested positive for West Nile...
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Though it may seem like this is above average for Terrebonne, mosquito control official Jessie Boudreaux Jr. said the parish is not alone in its increased detection of the disease.
...
?There is an abundance of West Nile virus activity currently throughout the state of Louisiana,? Boudreaux said.
...

Full text:

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20120703/ARTICLES/120709914?p=1&tc=pg

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

DHH Confirms State's First West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease Case

Louisiana reports three new cases of West Nile Virus

Friday, July 6, 2012 | Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-7913

Baton Rouge?The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has confirmed three additional human cases of West Nile Virus, one of them the potentially deadly neuroinvasive disease. The neuroinvasive disease case was an adult in Vernon Parish and the two adult asymptomatic cases were in Tangipahoa Parish. The new cases were confirmed last week. This year, Louisiana has had a total of four human West Nile Virus infections; one was neuroinvasive disease and three were asymptomatic cases.

Last year, Louisiana recorded 12 cases of West Nile virus, the lowest number over the 10 years the state has been tracking the disease. Of those cases, six were neuroinvasive disease, four were West Nile fever and two were asymptomatic. The highest number of total cases was 328 in 2002, that year also produced the state's highest number of neuroinvasive disease cases, 204.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: neuroinvasive, West Nile fever and asymptomatic. A neuroinvasive illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. West Nile fever is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.

"This is a reminder that West Nile Virus is once again here in Louisiana," said Dr. Ratard DHH State Epidemiologist. "It should always be taken seriously. In view of that, we should all take some simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito populations in and around the home."



Protect Yourself

• If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing 20 - 30 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children.
• Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
• To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
• Adults should always apply repellent to children.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
• Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.

Mosquito Population Control

• Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
• Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
• Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2540

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

Infected mosquitoes on rise

EBR officials issue West Nile warning

By REBEKAH ALLEN
Advocate staff writer
July 11, 2012

City-parish officials are warning residents of East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas of an increased threat of West Nile virus this summer.

Matt Yates, director of East Baton Rouge Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control, said the infection rate for Southern House Mosquitoes in the parish is 11.1 infected mosquitoes per 1,000 mosquitoes tested.

... Yates said. ?We need to take precautions to avoid bites.?
...
Yates also said there have been some south Louisiana reports of horses that have contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis, another mosquito-transmitted disease.

Mosquitoes transmit both encephalitis and West Nile from birds, and can infect horses and people.

Full text:

http://theadvocate.com/news/3314513-123/infected-mosquitoes-on-rise

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

DHH Confirms Six New Cases of West Nile Virus
Health Officials Encourage Residents to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves

Friday, July 13, 2012 | Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-7913

Baton Rouge?The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has confirmed six additional human cases of West Nile Virus, bringing this year's total to 10, which includes two cases of neuroinvasive disease. The six new cases come from East Feliciana, Jefferson, Rapides, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. These cases are reported in DHH's weekly Louisiana Arbovirus Surveillance Reports Section of the DHH Website here.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: neuroinvasive, West Nile fever and asymptomatic. A neuroinvasive illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. West Nile fever is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.

This year, Rapides and Vernon parishes each have one case of neuroinvasive disease, Rapides and East Feliciana parishes each have a confirmed case of West Nile fever and Jefferson, St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes each have one asymptomatic case. Tangipahoa parish has three asymptomatic cases.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.

"This is a reminder that West Nile Virus is once again here in Louisiana," said Dr. Ratard DHH State Epidemiologist. "It should always be taken seriously. In view of that, we should all take some simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito populations in and around the home."


Protect Yourself

• If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing 20 - 30 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children.
• Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
• To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
• Adults should always apply repellent to children.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
• Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.

Mosquito Population Control

• Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
• Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
• Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2548

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

West Nile concerns grow in St. Tammany Parish

Updated: Jul 16, 2012 9:58 PM CDT<NOSCRIPT orgfontsize="10.8px"></NOSCRIPT><!--END wnDate-->
Written by: Natasha Robin

St. Tammany Parish, La. -- People who live and work along Salt Bayou in Slidell know exactly what happens at dusk.

"The seasons aren't spring, summer, winter and fall. It's gnats, mosquitoes and green head flies," says Gary Bauer.

This is the season for mosquitoes. Now is the time for people across the region to take precautions.

In St. Tammany, nearly half of the 68 mosquito pools tested came back positive for West Nile.

"Typically we start seeing West Nile mosquitoes in early June but not anywhere near the levels we are seeing now," says Chuck Palmisano with the St. Tammany Abatement District.

More...

http://www.fox8live.com/story/19039684/west-nile-virus-found-st-tammany-parish

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

DHH Confirms Four New Cases of West Nile Virus
Health Officials Encourage Residents to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves
Friday, July 20, 2012 | Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-7913
Baton Rouge—The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has confirmed four additional human cases of West Nile Virus, bringing this year's total to 14, which includes one case of neuroinvasive disease from St. Tammany Parish. The four new cases are from Bossier, East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany and West Baton Rouge parishes. These cases are reported in DHH's weekly Louisiana Arbovirus Surveillance Reports Section of the DHH Website here.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: neuroinvasive, West Nile fever and asymptomatic. A neuroinvasive illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. West Nile fever is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.

This year, St. Tammany, Rapides and Vernon parishes each have one case of neuroinvasive disease, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana and Rapides parishes each have a confirmed case of West Nile fever and Bossier, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany and West Baton Rouge parishes each have one asymptomatic case. Tangipahoa Parish has three asymptomatic cases.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.

"This is a reminder that West Nile Virus is once again here in Louisiana," said Dr. Ratard DHH State Epidemiologist. "It should always be taken seriously. In view of that, we should all take some simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito populations in and around the home."

Protect Yourself

If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30&#37; DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.
Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
Adults should always apply repellent to children.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.
Mosquito Population Control

Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.
Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2554

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

DHH Confirms 19 New Cases of West Nile Virus
Health Officials Encourage Residents to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves

Friday, July 27, 2012 | Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-7913

Baton Rouge?The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has confirmed 19 additional human cases of West Nile Virus, bringing this year's total to 33, which includes 13 new cases of the potentially deadly neuroinvasive disease (NID). The new NID cases were reported from Caddo, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides and St. Tammany parishes. There were also new West Nile Fever (WNF) cases in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge and St. Tammany parishes and new asymptomatic cases in Concordia, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes. These cases are detailed parish by parish in DHH's weekly Louisiana Arbovirus Surveillance Reports Section of the DHH Website here.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: NID, WNF and asymptomatic. A NID illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. WNF is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.
This year, St. Tammany Parish has reported the most West Nile Virus infections with four NID cases, and one case each of WNF and asymptomatic. East Baton Rouge Parish has reported three NID and two WNF cases.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.

"This week we have seen a substantial increase in the number of neuroinvasive disease cases," said Dr. Ratard DHH State Epidemiologist. "This serves as a reminder that we should not be complacent, we should be on guard and take all the necessary precautions and measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones from being bitten by mosquitos."

More...

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2557

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012

Tangipahoa President questions why he wasn't informed of West Nile death

Updated: Aug 01, 2012 11:00 PM CDT

Amite, La. - The state won't confirm it, but the wife of 79-year-old Raymond Stevens of Loranger, says doctors told her that her husband's death was caused by the West Nile Virus.
...
Tangipahoa Parish President Gordon Burgess says he was saddened by the news and also concerned about why the state hadn't informed him of the death. "I'm not being critical of anyone, but dad-gummit, when we might have an outbreak, I should have known about it."

State Epidemiologist Raoul Ratard says until the state confirms five deaths, information on deaths related to the West Nile Virus will not be released or confirmed. "Once we start having several deaths, we put the number out, but never put specific information that would allow you to go find out who it is." The state's position is that releasing information about the location of a West Nile Death would give the media enough information to track down the family of the victim. Ratard says the state wants no role exposing the identities of victims.

So far this year the state has confirmed 33 human cases of West Nile. 16 of those were the potentially deadly neuroinvasive form. Experts say for every ten of those cases, you can expect one death.
...

http://www.fox8live.com/story/19174309/tangipahoa-presidents-questions-why-he-wasnt-informed-of-west-nile-death

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012 - 1 death in Tangipahoa Parish

Significant growth of West Nile virus infections in 2012

wwltv.com
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 6:15 AM
Updated today at 6:37 AM

Email: webteam@wwltv.com | Twitter: @WWLTV

JEFFERSON PARISH, La. - National and state health officials are increasingly concerned about the growing number of West Nile virus cases being reported across America, including in Louisiana. More illnesses from the virus have been reported in 2012 than any year since 2004.
...
The Centers for Disease Control reported West Nile virus has been found in 42 states in 2012, with 241 cases reported and four deaths recorded. There has been one death in Tangipahoa Parish, one in Mississippi and one in Texas.

New Orleans had at least one confirmed human case, the first since 2008. Other cases have been reported in River Ridge, St. Tammany Parish and Terrebonne Parish. Two samples tested positive for West Nile in St. Bernard Parish.

Area mosquito control agencies have been reporting a busy pest season since the spring and state officials are worried about the growing number of cases.

More...

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/jefferson/Significant-growth-of-West-Nile-virus-infections-in-2012-164718516.html

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012 - 1 death in Tangipahoa Parish

DHH Confirms Two West Nile Virus Deaths

21 new cases of West Nile Virus reported this week

Friday, August 3, 2012 | Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-1532

Baton Rouge—The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has confirmed the state's first West Nile Virus deaths in four years. Two people have died of neuroinvasive disease (NID), the most serious form of the virus, this year. These deaths are the state's first since 2008, when one person died of the disease. Since there has been a recent sharp increase in NID cases, DHH is now reporting total West Nile Virus deaths as part of its weekly surveillance report.

"West Nile Virus is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly," said Dr. Ratard DHH State Epidemiologist. "We know from the past 10 years of surveillance that this disease has reached every corner of the state, meaning people are at risk for West Nile regardless of whether there are cases and deaths in your parish. People should own their own health and take responsibility to make all the necessary precautions that protect you and your loved ones from mosquito bites."

This week, DHH is reporting 21 new West Nile Virus infections, bringing this year's total to 53. The number of NID cases sharply increased from 16 last week to 29 this week. This number is the highest experienced at this point in the West Nile Virus season since 2002, the state's outbreak year that had 204 NID cases and 24 deaths. This week's new infections include 13 cases of the more serious NID. The new NID cases were reported from Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Natchitoches, Orleans, Rapides, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. There were also new West Nile Fever (WNF) cases in Jefferson, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes and new asymptomatic cases in East Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee and Lincoln parishes. These cases are detailed parish by parish in DHH's weekly Louisiana Arbovirus Surveillance Reports Section of the DHH Website here.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: NID, WNF and asymptomatic. A NID illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. WNF is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.

This year, St. Tammany Parish has reported the most West Nile Virus infections with six NID, two WNF and one asymptomatic. East Baton Rouge Parish has reported five NID, two WNF and one asymptomatic, and Tangipahoa parish has three NID, two WNF and three asymptomatic.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with NID. The elderly are at particular risk for severe disease and death from West Nile Virus, but all individuals should take precautions against mosquito bites.

Although mosquito control partners and abatement districts remain vigilant in keeping the population of infected mosquitos under control, everyone has a personal responsibility to prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

Protect Yourself

If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30&#37; DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.

Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.

To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
Adults should always apply repellent to children.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.

Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.

Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.
Mosquito Population Control

Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.
Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.

Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2564

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Re: Louisiana - West Nile Virus 2012 - Two people have died of neuroinvasive disease (NID)

EBR Parish man dies from West Nile Virus

Posted: Aug 08, 2012 11:28 AM CDT Updated: Aug 08, 2012 3:17 PM CDT
By Amber Stegall - email
and Phil Rainier - bio | email

CENTRAL, LA (WAFB) -
The first East Baton Rouge Parish West Nile death has been reported in the city of Central, LA.

The victim, Riley Joseph Gremillion Jr., 70, died August 3, 2012. Gremillion lived in the Indian Mound Subdivision, and the subdivision website warns residents to take precautions. The subdivision website says if residents of this subdivision see any mosquitoes to call 225-356-3297.

His son, Robert, sent the following statement:

It was my father, Riley Joseph Gremillion Jr., who died from West Nile Virus. My mother is grateful to everyone who has expressed condolences. I don't know if West Nile could stay in the animals of one area or if Dad was the unlucky one for subdivision but this is a very vicious disease. From the first sign of symptoms to his convalescence took a day and a half. By the fourth day He lost consciousness and never woke up again. There have been two deaths in the state in a short amount of time. Please take precautions. Have you're yards sprayed and don't stay out for long periods of time without deet. The very young and the very old are vulnerable. Please take this seriously. I have lived in Indian Mound for most of my life and I don't want anyone else to go through what we have endured over a stupid mosquito. I know this is where Dad wanted to be and He was happy to live in this community. Thank you all for you're prayers and God bless.

Robert
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Full text and video:

http://www.wafb.com/story/19227397/ebr-parish-man-dies-from-west-nile-virus