A mosquito in St. Rose tested positive for West Nile virus. It's the first one in the parish to test positive this year, but many other parishes are reporting cases as well.
At Mosquito Control Services in Jefferson Parish, entomologists study the insects every day to check them for West Nile. Finding mosquitoes with the virus isn't all that uncommon. However, they are showing up earlier in the season this year.
Entomologist and general manager of Mosquito Control Services Steven Pavlovich explains, "Positive samples last year didn't start showing up till the latter part of July."
Positive samples have already come in from a number of parishes. St. Tammany had 16 mosquitoes that tested positive so far this year. Jefferson had six; Terrebonne, one; Orleans has had 46.
A spokesperson with the Department of Health and Hospitals says the parishes have sent in varying numbers of insects to be tested, so it's hard to compare the numbers between each parish.
The infected insects do have one thing in common: the areas in which they're found.
Pavlovich says the majority of mosquitoes that test positive for West Nile are Southern house mosquitoes. That means they live in and around septic tanks and broken sewer lines in residential areas.
St. Rose resident Mary Beth Vance says she's being extra cautious this year, trying to prevent herself and family members from getting bit.
"We usually spray the yard for mosquitoes or we get the parish to come out and they'll just spray the whole area," Vance said.
Steven Pavlovich also suggests some cheaper alternatives, saying, "Wear repellent. Follow the labeled directions on the repellent when they're going to be exposed to mosquitoes in their biting time. They can wear long sleeves if they're going to be out during those times. Empty any containers they may have around the house. Make sure that screens are fitting properly. The doors and windows as well."
Pavlovich says human cases of West Nile usually start popping up later in the summer. But it's never too early to be prepared.
Southern house mosquito (CDC)
