Baton Rouge, La. - State health officials confirm 39 new human cases of the West Nile Virus.
The Department of Health and Hospitals says that brings the total number of infections in the state this year to 219.
DHH confirmed 11 neuroinvasive cases, the serious form of the disease. Health officials say the neuroinvasive disease infects the brain and spinal cord and can lead to paralysis, brain damage and even death. Of the more serious form of the disease three cases were found locally, one in Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish and Tangipahoa Parish.
"Hurricane Isaac left behind a lot of water, which, left standing, is a risk for mosquitoes breeding and swarming," said DHH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. "In addition to that, fall is getting closer, the weather is getting more pleasant, and people are spending more time outdoors. Everyone needs to be aware of the threat of West Nile virus and Fight the Bite. Put on repellant before you go outside, dress appropriately and empty standing water around your home. Take these small steps to protect your health."
The state found 28 new West Nile fever cases as well. Locally, there was one case in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, St. Charles, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. Three West Nile fever cases were discovered in St. Tammany Parish.
State health officials issued these recommendations to protection you and your family from contracting the virus:
· If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.
· People should be especially vigilant if they are outside at dawn and dusk. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile are most active at that time. But, people should take precautions against mosquitoes if they are outside at any time of day.
· Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
· To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
· Adults should always apply repellent to children.
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
· Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
· Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.
Another effective way to prevent mosquito bites is to drain stagnant water from around homes and property to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and swarming:
· Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.
· Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
· Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
· Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
· Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. An unattended swimming pool 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.
Click here to see the state website where it updates West Nile activity in Louisiana.
