Summer Swat: West Nile Virus Detected in North Louisiana Mosquito Samples

Enjoying the summer days outdoors means putting up with many annoyances, and one of them can be much more dangerous than the rest in North Louisiana. Mosquitos in an area of North Louisiana have tested positive for West Nile virus, causing immediate action from local authorities. It's a reminder that, no matter how much time you spend outdoors, sometimes it's essential to take those preventive steps.

Lincoln Parish Officials Combat North Louisiana West Nile Virus Threat

City officials in Ruston, Louisiana, have confirmed that three different samples from the area all tested positive for West Nile virus. Thankfully, by the time officials discovered the virus, no human infections had been reported. The area of Ruston, in Lincoln Parish, with infected mosquito pools was immediately treated by exterminators to handle the situation. Public Works Director for Ruston, John Freeman, assured the public that the area has been heavily sprayed for days to prevent the spread.

Localized Mosquito Control: What to Do If You're Notified

"Remove any standing water" was the advice from Director Freeman, but most people had no reason to panic, as those in the impacted area were notified and warned with a note on the door. So, if you didn't receive a note, you're in the clear. It's still a good reminder at the end of the day that a virus like West Nile can creep up in our backyard right under our nose, so maybe taking care of that kiddie pool with a mosquito colony that's been sitting out all summer might not be such a bad idea after all.