NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) reports that mosquitoes collected this week from Orleans Parish tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Adult treatments will be trucked in tonight from 8:00 PM to midnight, weather permitting, in the following areas:
- New Orleans East in the area bounded by Dwyer Road, Bundy Road, Chef Menteur Highway and I-10
- Algeria in the area bounded by the Intracoastal Waterway, Donner Canal and Patterson Road
- Lower Ninth Ward in the area bounded by the Mississippi River, Jourdan Avenue, Florida Avenue and the parish line
- Upper Ninth Ward in the area bounded by Poland/France Street, Florida Avenue, Franklin Avenue and the Mississippi River
Mosquitoes become infected with WNV by feeding on infected birds and can later transmit the virus to humans and animals when they bite. While most human WNV infections are asymptomatic, common mild symptoms may include headache, body aches, fever, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases, severe diseases affecting the central nervous system may occur. People over 60 or those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for serious illness.
Reducing the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne virus transmission is a community effort. We ask that residents protect themselves from mosquito bites by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn (when Culex mosquitoes are more active). If outside for long periods of time, especially at night, use insect repellents that contain CDC-approved active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus following the recommendations on the product label.
We also ask that residents conduct weekly home and yard inspections and empty containers filled with water to reduce mosquito breeding sites. See below for more tips on home and personal protection.
To report standing water, unmaintained pools, illegally dumped tires or other mosquito-related issues, please contact us via one of the following methods:
For additional information about WNV, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.
SAFETY ADVICE
Protecting yourself
- Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn
- Use air conditioning or fans if possible and make sure window and door screens do not have holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- If you are outside for long periods of time, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks if possible.
- Use insect repellents that contain EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- When using insect repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
Protecting your home
- Return items that can collect water such as children’s pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, wheelbarrows, plant pots and trays, or plastic storage containers.
- Change the water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as pet dishes or birdbaths. Clean the side of the dishes with soap and a sponge to remove any mosquito eggs.
- Rain barrels and other water collection equipment must be checked and the collected water must be used within a week.
- Keep rain gutters clear and fix leaky outdoor faucets.
- Check for trapped water in plastic covers or tarps or sheets used to cover cars, pools and other items, and adjust them to prevent water from pooling.
- Aerate decorative pools, fountains and sugar bowls, or fill them with fish.
- Mosquito-proof homes by keeping screens on windows and doors.
- Cover all gaps in walls, doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
- Report illegal spills, water leaks and unattended pools by calling 311.
For more pest management tips, abatement notices and general information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @nolamosquito.
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