Show All Answers

1. Is the Parish going to spray for mosquitoes?

Yes, when it is necessary to do so, we will operate a spray program. We will monitor known breeding sites and apply larvicide to control mosquitos in their infant stages. We will also check identified locations from citizen complaints and apply larvicide or adulticide where needed. WHEN NECESSARY, we will conduct an adulticide spray program to kill mosquito populations during active hours.

2. What precautions should I take at home when my area is being sprayed?

Bring in pet dishes or cover them.
Cover ornamental ponds and birdbaths.
Bring your pets inside for the night.
Do not go outside during spray times.
If you have health problems, such as asthma, take special precautions as directed by your doctor, if necessary.

3. What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a virus which was previously associated and commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It is not known how long it has been in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the virus probably has been in the US since early summer of 1999. It is closely related to the St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the US. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other animals.

4. How can I reduce my risk of getting West Nile Virus?

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid getting the West Nile Virus. Remember the four Ds: Drain, Dusk-to-Dawn, Dress and Deet.
Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Standing water can be found in swimming pools that are not kept clean, ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters. Changing flushing water in flower pots and dog dishes twice a week should be sufficient. Be vigilant in removing standing water, because as little as a soda cap full can provide a breeding site for mosquitos.

Dusk-to-Dawn are the times of day you should stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.

Dress in light colored long-sleeve shirts and wear pants when you are outside. Spray thin clothing with insect repellent.

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent.

5. Who is at risk for West Nile Virus?

People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is not known if people with weakened immune systems are at an increase risk for West Nile Virus.

6. How is West Nile Virus treated?

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. In severe cases, intensive supportive therapies are used, such as intravenous fluids and medicine to control fever or pain. Antibiotics may be given for any secondary bacterial infection.

7. Can I be vaccinated for West Nile Virus?

Currently there is no vaccine for West Nile virus, but several companies are working toward developing a vaccine.

8. What are the symptoms of West Nile?

Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will not have any signs of illness.Twenty percent of people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.Only about one out of 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop this more severe form of disease. The incubation period of West Nile Virus in humans is three to 14 days. Symptoms of mild disease may last a few days.Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent. Rarely, death can occur.