Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control confirmed the West Nile Virus is back in the area and urging residents to use repellent while outdoors. Mosquito Control officials announced Calcasieu tested positive for the West Nile this week after receiving test results from the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Baton Rouge. The determination was based on tests done on four of the parish's mosquito pools and mosquitoes that were collected from different areas in the parish. Mosquito Control officials said to combat this problem they plan to increase aerial and ground spraying. In the meantime, to limit exposure residents in Calcasieu Parish are being reminded to use repellent while outdoors, especially at dawn and at dusk. Also, to pour out standing water or drain anything that can hold water around the home because mosquitoes typically lay their eggs in water.

What is the West Nile Virus and What are the symptoms? The West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. Most people (8 out of 10) who get infected with West Nile don't develop any symptoms. However, 1 out of 5 will get flue-like symptoms and develop a fever. Some people (1 out of 150) infected can develop more severe symptoms that can even be fatal. This is why the public is urged to take precautions to prevent getting sick.

Scott Harrington, Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control Manager reported “Most years we see our first positive pools in July. The early hot, dry weather has caused mosquitoes and birds to search for water, bringing them into close proximity and this increases the likelihood of disease transmission.” Harrington continued. “The dry conditions can cause a lower mosquito population but an increase in mosquito-borne virus activity.”

For more info on the West Nile activity in Calcasieu Parish, visit https://www.cdc.gov/westnile. To schedule Mosquito Control to spray in your area, visit calcasieuparish.gov/sprayschedule.

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