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Human Case of West Nile confirmed in New Iberia

The first case of West Nile virus in the region this year has been confirmed.
Acadiana ABC affiliate KATC reported that the Iberia Parish Mosquito Abatement District was recently notified by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals about an occurrence of human West Nile Virus in the parish.
District officials said this is the first incidence of the virus in humans in Iberia Parish since 2012. Abatement operations for the parish have been in effect throughout the summer to target mosquito populations which will remain active until early November.
In 2017, West Nile infected animals have been found in St. Mary, Iberia, St. Martin and Lafayette parishes. A bird in Patterson tested positive for West Nile in August.
St. Mary Parish has not had a human case of West Nile since 2003.
Many people who are infected with West Nile don’t show any symptoms as the body naturally fights off the virus. However, some people do develop symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. A few people might develop severe symptoms for which hospitalization is required. Most people with West Nile recover completely but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks to months.
Jessie Boudreaux, owner of Cajun Mosquito Control, said that his company is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Expanded Transmission Protocol for the area and that increased spraying will happen until weekly lab tests come back negative.
“We will continue the increased spraying, probably through the end of December,” said Boudreaux.
To prevent the likelihood of contracting the virus, Boudreaux said people should stay inside when mosquitos are most active, around dusk or dawn, but if a person must go outside, he or she should wear long sleeves and long pants with repellant.
“Wear bug repellant, drain bird baths, remove any standing water around the house, empty pet water bowls and rain gutters,” said Boudreaux.
Other tips include not wearing cologne or perfume for long periods of time, and wear light-colored long sleeve clothing.
For more information on tips and prevention, visit Cajun Mosquito Control’s website at cajunmosquitocontrol.com or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.

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