June 22, 2012 DHH Reports 2012’s First Case of West Nile VirusHealth Officials Encourage Residents to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves

- The Louisiana Department of Health has reported the state's first case of West Nile virus in a human in 2012. The case was confirmed June 21 in St. Bernard Parish, and was asymptomatic, which means the individual had no sign of illness.

Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: neuroinvasive, West Nile fever and asymptomatic. A neuroinvasive illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. West Nile fever is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation.

About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.

According to State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard, the first human cases are typically reported around mid-July each year. He also recommends that citizens take precautions to protect themselves.

"West Nile virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites," Dr. Ratard said. "No matter what time of year it is, and no matter how active the season, it is important for residents to take preventive steps to control the mosquito population near and around homes and play areas, and try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

Protect Yourself 

Mosquito Population Control 

Louisiana Numbers 

Last year, Louisiana recorded 12 cases of West Nile virus, the lowest number over the 10 years the state has been tracking the disease. The highest number of cases came in 2002, the first year of tracking, with 328 cases. 

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Interim Secretary Drew Maranto

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