Another SWLA Resident Hospitalized Due To West Nile Virus

Last week we reported that a man fell extremely ill due to the West Nile Virus he contracted in Hackberry, now another SWLA resident in Dequincy has fallen ill due to the same virus!

62-year-old Katherine Mounce was hospitalized in Lake Charles where they confirmed she had the West Nile Virus.

Dr. Tim Haman of Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital tells KPLC:

It is a little surprising, it’s the first case we’ve had this year and we did not have any cases of neuroinvasive disease in Calcasieu last year either...One case does not make an epidemic. It’s not something we should panic or anything like that. It is a reminder for all of us that it does exist and it’s out there and you should certainly take precautions and try to prevent mosquito bites. - Dr. Haman

The CDC says that you can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile by applying mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and pants.