Chickens test positive for West Nile in Kenner

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Chickens near Kenner Veterans Park have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a report by our partners NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. 

According to the report, occasionally live chickens are tested to determine if West Nile is present in a particular area.

Mosquito Control placed live chickens in several locations throughout Kenner to perform regular testing for West Nile, according to the report.

Six human cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year in Louisiana. So far there have been none reported in Jefferson and Orleans Parish.

About West Nile: 

WNV cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes. It can be transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. While the majority of people infected with WNV have no symptoms, the virus can cause serious symptoms in some people, especially those over 65 years old and those who are immunocompromised.

The mosquitoes that can spread WNV are called Culex quinquefasciatus or the "Southern House" mosquito and can grow to adults in as few as 7 days. This makes it important for residents to evaluate yards on a weekly basis and eliminate standing water. Remove trash and clutter, including discarded waste tires, buckets, tarps and any other items that could collect water. Empty containers and change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools. Make sure swimming pools and fountains are operational and circulating.

Safety tips: 

• Reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Use air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
• If outside for long periods of time, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• The CDC recommends using repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients including DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
• When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
• For additional information regarding WNV, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm

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