Three West Nile Cases Discovered Later Than Usual
Louisiana is seeing its first human cases of the West Nile Virus this year.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has discovered three cases so far, all in Livingston Parish. State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard says the three cases were Asymptomatic, meaning the infected weren't showing symptoms of the virus.
Mosquito control cannot do it — only you can do it.
"That means they were discovered when either somebody goes to give blood or somebody has a workup, and somebody is looking for evidence of the virus in their blood," Ratard said.
The first cases of West Nile this year were discovered later than usual, which may lead to a lower number of infections, Ratard said, also urging the public to take simple steps to keep themselves safe from mosquitoes.
"If it is possible, wear long sleeves and long pants, and if it is too hot, wear mosquito repellent," Ratard said.
Ratard also advises against relying only on trucks to spray away the mosquitoes.
"Mosquito control cannot do it — only you can do it," Ratard said. "You have to turn over all the flower pots and small containers that contain pools where the larvae can multiply."