Baton Rouge --- The Department of Health has detected five new human cases of West Nile virus, raising the 2003 total to 101 cases throughout Louisiana.
Livingston, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes each reported one new case, and there were two cases reported from Lafourche Parish.
In recent weeks, state health officials have declared the 2003 outbreak is ending because fewer infections have occurred and because mosquito activity is decreasing as the weather turns colder.
“It appears West Nile virus transmissions will be over right before duck hunting season gets in full swing,” said Dr. Raoult Ratard, state epidemiologist.
To lessen your risk of contracting West Nile virus or St. Louis encephalitis, apply mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants and avoid wearing perfumes or colognes when outside for prolonged periods of time. Also, remove any standing water from around your home and make sure your windows and doors have secure screens.
For more information on how to take precautions against contracting a mosquito-borne disease or to receive updated information about tracking and surveillance of the virus, please visit the Office of Public Health Web site,www.FighttheBiteLouisiana.com.