Infectious Disease

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is asking caregivers in Louisiana to take extra precautions to protect their loved ones from contracting West Nile virus. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to be impacted more severely by this virus that has impacted at least 128 individuals so far this year. This week, the Department is reporting one (1) death, and five new cases, three of which caused neuroinvasive disease.

EV-D68 presents with cold-like symptoms, such as fever, coughing, body aches and a runny nose. It may also cause breathing problems or wheezing. Children with asthma or other respiratory illness are the most susceptible to being infected with EV-D68. When parents notice high fever, dehydration or trouble breathing they should immediately take their child in to see their primary care provider or to see a provider at an urgent care clinic.

This week, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) confirmed 15 new cases of West Nile virus, of which five were neuroinvasive disease infections, bringing this year's total to 118 reported infections. There were no new deaths reported this week.

DHH issues a weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report that details cases detected thus far by parish. This week's new infections include seven neuroinvasive disease cases in Ascension (1), LaFourche (3), Pointe Coupee (1), Terrebonne (1) and Washington (1) parishes. There were two new cases of West Nile fever; Jefferson Davis (1), Livingston (1) parishes, and two new asymptomatic cases in East Baton Rouge (1) and Ascension (1) parishes.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) confirmed two cases of the Enterovirus D68 in the Capital Area today. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of many enteroviruses that are very common in the United States and typically flare up in the fall months. Since children are the most susceptible to contracting EV-D68, DHH is encouraging parents to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of EV-D68, such as encouraging children to wash their hands, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and to avoid sharing food or drink with people who are sick.

This week, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) confirmed 12 new cases of West Nile virus, of which three were neuroinvasive disease infections, bringing this year's total to 92 reported infections.

This Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is urging everyone to Fight the Bite, and protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. This comes as DHH confirms two new West Nile virus deaths this week, bringing this year's total to four West Nile virus deaths. The deaths are in Northwest Louisiana and the Capital Area Region. DHH is also reporting 19 new West Nile virus infections, of which six were neuroinvasive disease cases, bringing this year's total to 80 reported infections.

This week, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) confirmed nine new cases of West Nile virus, of which five were neuroinvasive disease cases, bringing this year's total to 61 reported infections. Louisiana continues to have the nation's second highest number of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease cases.

With the increasing numbers of West Nile virus cases in the state, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is urging residents to be vigilant and protect themselves from mosquitoes. This week, DHH confirmed 10 new cases of West Nile virus, of which seven were neuroinvasive disease cases, bringing this year's total to 52 reported infections. Prior to these new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's August 19, 2014 weekly West Nile Virus report, Louisiana had the second highest number of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease cases.

The goal of the surveillance for West Nile Infections in Humans is to describe the disease burden of the West Nile infection on the human population.