Five New West Nile Virus Cases This Week

The state of Louisiana says there were five new West Nile virus cases to report.

With the addition of the five new cases, it brings the total this year to 39 West Nile virus cases in Louisiana.

There are three new cases of neuroinvasive disease cases in each of the following parishes:

• Caldwell
• Ouachita
• Lafayette

There is one new case of West Nile fever in Ouachita Parish and one asymptomatic case from Lafayette Parish.

Dr. Raoult Ratard, the state epidemiologist, says everyone should continue taking precautions against getting bitten by mosquitoes.  He suggests long, light colored clothing if you are outside and remembering that mosquitoes are most active as sunrise and sunset.

People get the virus from mosquito bites.