WEST NILE AND MALARIA- Louisiana has reported its first two cases of West Nile Neuro-invasive disease last week, one in Caddo Parish in Northwest Louisiana and the other in Southeast Louisiana in East Baton Rough Parish. According to Louisiana’s Department of Health –West Nile Virus has been detected from mosquitoes caught in traps in 13 parishes so far. Most cases of West Nile virus are asymptomatic, meaning no outward symptoms but a small percentage of those infected can have symptoms that increase the chances for permanent brain damage and even death.
And for the first time in two decades, cases of malaria have been detected in Florida and Texas but no malaria cases have yet to be reported in Louisiana. Public Health Officials urge mosquito mitigation measures such as eliminating standing water around homes, schools, and workplaces and to consider using mosquito repellant when outdoors and approved yard sprays.
