September 06, 2013 DHH Confirms State's First West Nile virus DeathState health department urges vigilance

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The Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) has confirmed the State's first West Nile virus death of 2013 season. The death occurred in Rapides Parish. LDH is also reporting 10 new West Nile cases this week, bringing this year's total number of cases to 31. This week's new infections include six cases of neuroinvasive disease, four cases from Ouachita Parish and one each from Lafayette and St. Tammany parishes and four cases of West Nile fever, with three in Ouachita Parish and one in St. Tammany Parish.

"The state's first death is a reminder of how serious this disease is," said State Epidemiologist, Dr. Raoult Ratard. "We all need to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our families."

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.

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.

Last year, Louisiana reported 160 cases of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease in the state, which is down from 2002's high of 204 cases of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease. LDH has been tracking West Nile virus for more than a decade, and statistics about its occurrence in Louisiana can be found in LDH's weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report, found on line at www.dhh.louisiana.gov/fightthebite.

This year, Ouachita Parish has reported nine cases of neuroinvasive disease, Caldwell and Lafayette parishes each have two cases, and Calcasieu, Rapides and St. Tammany parishes each have one case of neuroinvasive disease.

Dr. Raoult Ratard, State Epidemiologist, recommends that all citizens take these precautions to protect yourself:

SAFETY TIPS

Protecting Yourself

Protecting Your Home

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

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Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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