West Nile virus detected in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in New Orleans, prompting officials to take action.

According to officials with the City of New Orleans, the results come from the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board. They say West Nile cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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While West Nile is reportedly asymptomatic for most people who contract it, it can cause headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, and in rare cases, severe illness, which is especially possible for the immunocompromised and those over 60 years old.

In response to the detection of West Nile, the NOMTRCB will spray for adult mosquitoes in the following areas from 7:45 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, May 29:

• Lakeview and West End bounded by Allen Toussaint Boulevard, Interstate 610, Bellaire Drive and the Orleans Canal.
• Lake Shore and Lake Vista bounded by Lakeshore Drive, Allen Toussiant Boulevard, Breakwater Drive and Beauregard Avenue.
• City Park bounded by Allen Toussaint Boulevard, Zachory Taylor Drive, Marconi Drive and Bayou St. John.

Additional spraying will be done on May 30 from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the areas of Iberville, South 7th Ward, the French Quarter bounded by N. Claiborne Avenue, Interstate 10, Canal Street, the Mississippi River and Franklin Avenue.

Citizens are also asked to help with the mosquito problem by dumping out any standing water on their property and taking the following protective measures for themselves:

• Use repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow product instructions when using repellents.
• Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use air conditioning or sit in the air stream of a fan when possible.
• Ensure window and door screens are in good condition to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

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