South Louisiana West Nile Virus Threat Still High

Glenn Stokes of Mosquito Control Contractors Inc. joined 'Mornings With Ken and Bernie' today to discuss the current outbreak of West Nile virus that has caused two know deaths.

According to Stokes,

We're nearing the peak season for West Nile transmission in Louisiana and for all of the United States for that matter.  In the next couple weeks we should see a precipitous decrease in mosquitoes and the risk of getting West Nile.  Of course West Nile cases throughout the state are going to go down if historical data applies.

When asked if West Nile virus was a new phenomenon in Louisiana Stokes replied,

What happens with West Nile of course, it's a virus that occurs in birds.  They are the reservoir.  It was introduced in the US in 1999 and came to Louisiana in 2002 and that's when our first year was.  There were 204 cases of West Nile virus in 2002....This year we have 45 cases of neuro-invasive cases reported thus far.

To diminish the mosquito population and avoid being infected with the West Nile virus Stokes advised adherence to the 'Five D's':

• Drainage
• DEET insect repellant
• Dusk
• Dawn
• Dress

Drainage includes draining water from outdoor receptacles including flower pots, old tires and items as small as bottle caps.  DEET insect repellant is very effective in combating mosquitoes.  Outdoor activities should be curtailed at dusk and dawn and dressing in light colored loose fitting clothing will all to help prevent mosquito attraction.

If you find a dead bird in your yard you're asked to avoid touching the bird while placing in a ziplock bag, double bagging that ziplock placing the bags on ice in an ice chest or freezer and calling Mosquito Control Contractors at 337-593-0123.

Listen to the interview: