Louisiana is holding a state wide mosquito survey. Shannon Rider of the Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District says “the survey is being held to determine if Aedes Aegypti (which is a known vector of the Zika and other viruses) has spread throughout the state.” The Aedes Aegypti is only known to have been in the Greater New Orleans Region.
If the weather stays the same and the ground doesn’t soak up the water then there can be an expected increase in mosquitos.
Rider also states, “North Louisiana is always at a health risk with West Nile, Eastern Equine and St. Louis Encephalitis.” “Wearing mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves when working outside removing outstanding water from property avoiding scented lotions and perfumes, and wearing lighter colors are some ways that people can stay safe from mosquitos,” said Rider.
The survey is being conducted right now and is a sixteen week survey, the last survey of this size and magnitude was last held in the 80s.