The Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has reported that twenty-one mosquito pools from fourteen different locations in Ouachita Parish have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). These mosquito pools were collected on 17th July.
The affected mosquito areas include Monroe, where multiple locations such as near the intersection of Hwy. 165 and Renwick Street, Lakeshore Subdivision, Garden District, Oregon Trail Subdivision, Kansas Lane, Lakewood Estates, River Oaks Subdivision, and near Garrett Road have shown positive results for West Nile virus. Additionally, in West Monroe, areas near Darbonne Hills Subdivision, Hidden Lakes Subdivision, between WMHS and First West, and near Smith Street have also tested positive. Sterlington near Davis Street and Western Ouachita Parish near the intersection of I-20 and Hwy. 80 have also been affected.
In response the DHH has announced that treatment plans are forthcoming. It is important for residents to take personal protective measures when working outdoors, especially during the early morning and evening. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and using an EPA approved repellent. It is crucial that repellent is applied to exposed skin and on thin clothing as mosquitoes can bite through thin fabric. Furthermore, residents are urged to empty water holding containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their neighborhood.
About 80% of people who contract West Nile have no symptoms, with other feeling flu-like. The most severe neuro-invasive form of West Nile killis 1 in 10 people it infects.
