Three New West Nile Cases Confirmed

State health regulators say three new West Nile virus cases have been reported this week.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says the new cases bring this year's total to 34.

The new cases include two neuroinvasive disease cases — one each in Livingston and Rapides parishes — and one case of West Nile fever in St. Martin Parish.

The state has reported one West Nile virus death so far this year.

People get the virus from mosquito bites.

Dr. Raoult Ratard, the state epidemiologist, recommends taking precautions against mosquitoes.