October 12, 2012 Health Department Reports Nine New West Nile Cases and One DeathResidents Should Remain Vigilant in Protecting Themselves from Mosquito Bites

- State health officials remind Louisiana residents that West Nile virus remains a threat, as the Louisiana Department of Health today confirms nine new West Nile virus cases. Also, one death from West Nile occurred this week. This year, Louisiana is experiencing the most West Nile cases since its 2002 outbreak year, with 312 cases and 12 deaths from the disease reported.

"This has been a very active year for West Nile virus, and it is a firm reminder that this disease is a threat to all areas of our state," said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. "We've already had many cases and, unfortunately, 12 deaths. We also continue to see parishes reporting their first human cases of West Nile for the year in our weekly report. This continued increase, even as we get later into the year, shows why it's important for everyone to protect their health and avoid mosquito bites."   

Humans contract West Nile when they are bitten by mosquitoes infected with the virus. When people are infected with West Nile, the virus will affect them one of three ways. West Nile neuroinvasive disease is the most serious type, infecting the brain and spinal cord. Neuroinvasive disease can lead to death, paralysis and brain damage. The milder viral infection is West Nile fever, in which people experience flu-like symptoms. The majority of people who contract West Nile will be asymptomatic, which means they show no symptoms. These cases are typically detected through blood donations or in the course of other routine medical tests.

There are five new neuroinvasive disease cases reported this week, from Calcasieu (2), Iberia (1), Lafayette (1) and Orleans (1) parishes.

There are four new West Nile Fever cases, from Ascension (2), Jefferson Davis (1) and Livingston (1) parishes.

There were no new asymptomatic cases reported this week.

LDH issues a weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report that details cases detected thus far by parish, which is published here.

The most active year for West Nile cases in Louisiana was 2002, when the state experienced 328 cases and 24 deaths. For 10 years, state health officials have conducted robust surveillance year-round, which includes working with doctors, hospitals and health care providers around the state to track human cases and reminding people to be vigilant in avoiding mosquito bites.

Fight the Bite

Local mosquito control partners and abatement districts remain vigilant in keeping the population of infected mosquitos under control, but everyone has a personal responsibility to avoid mosquito bites.

Health officials recommend:

Another effective way to prevent mosquito bites is to drain stagnant water from around homes and property to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and swarming:

For more information on West Nile activity in Louisiana and prevention tips, visit www.dhh.louisiana.gov/FighttheBite.

 

 

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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