West Nile virus found in Patterson area; read what you should do

Patterson Mayor Rodney Grogan took to Facebook on Friday to warn residents that West Nile virus has been detected in the area, although not as yet in a human.

Patterson contractor Cajun Mosquito Control notified the city about the test result.

West Nile has been linked with diseases both mild and severe affecting humans. Mosquito bites spread the disease.

"We're asking all our citizens to please, please remove all stagnated water around your premises," Grogan said. "Also, please keep your kids away from high grasses. You, too, stay away from high grasses."

Cajun Mosquito Control is distributing pamphlets with tips for avoiding the virus. The pamphlets are also available at Patterson City Hall, Grogan said.

The Louisiana Department of Health says West Nile surveillance is most commonly performed by testing mosquitoes and horses. The once commonly used tool of testing dead birds has been found to be an inadequate predictor of West Nile in humans, the department said.

While most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, about 20% of infected people develop West Nile fever, the Health Department said. West Nile fever is a flu-like illness with symptoms that can include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea and rashes.

A small percentage of infected people develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a severe illness that affects the central nervous system and can result in hospitalization or even death. Symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, numbness, coma, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and carry the risk of death or permanent damage.

People 55 years of age and older and people with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk for severe disease if they are infected, the department said.

The department guidance said that in addition to eliminating standing water around their homes, people should wear Environmental Protection Agency-registered mosquito repellant and follow the label instructions.

Make sure windows are tight-fitting and screens are free of holes.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, especially if they go unused. Be aware that mosquitoes also breed in water accumulated on pool covers.