New Orleans
Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Collects Mosquitoes Infected
with West Nile Virus
NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic
Laboratory (LADDL) at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has
reported a West Nile virus (WNV) infected pool of mosquitoes that was
collected in Orleans Parish. The infected mosquitoes were collected
this week from traps on the East Bank of New Orleans, indicating an
elevated risk to people in our area. Residents can expect to see
increased mosquito abatement efforts, including daytime larval
inspections and treatments, as well as nighttime mosquito spraying with
trucks. Beginning March 8, truck applications targeting adult and
immature stages of the WNV vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, will begin,
weather permitting.
No human
WNV cases have been reported in Orleans Parish this year. West Nile
virus cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted
to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the majority
of WNV infections are asymptomatic, the virus can cause serious
symptoms, especially for individuals that are older than 65 or
immunocompromised.
The
NOMTRCB collects mosquitoes year-round from forty-six locations across
Orleans Parish. The collected mosquitoes are identified to species,
counted, and submitted in groups, or mosquito pools, to the LADDL for
arboviral screening. Over 200 pools of mosquitoes have been tested to
date in 2021.
We are
urging people to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes by limiting
outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using EPA- and CDC-approved
repellents, and mosquito-proofing their residence by maintaining
screens on windows and doors. We also ask that residents inspect
outdoor areas and empty water-filled containers around their homes and
yards to reduce the potential for mosquito breeding.
As the
temperature increases, it is imperative for residents to remain
vigilant in removing standing water by emptying containers and changing
water at least once per week in containers that cannot be removed such
as bird baths, sugar kettles, children’s pools and ponds. Remove trash
and clutter, including discarded tires, buckets, tarps and any other
items that can collect water. Swimming pools and fountains should be
operational and circulating.
Reduce
mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and
dawn.
Use
air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good
condition to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
Wear
long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside.
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.
Protecting
Your Home
Eliminate
standing water around your home. Mosquitoes breed in standing
water.
Remove
trash and clutter and dispose of discarded tires and containers.
Turn over wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children's toys, and
anything that can collect water.
Change
water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as pet
dishes or bird baths. Scrub the side of the containers each week
to remove any eggs that have been deposited.
Rain
barrels and other water collection devices must be
screened, and collected water should be used within one week.
Aerate
ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles, or stock them with
fish.
Report
illegal dumping, water leaks and unattended swimming pools by
calling 311.
Tires
collect leaf litter and are easily filled with water by rain, providing
an ideal breeding site for mosquito larvae. Eliminating scrap tires
will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat.
Residents
can place up to four tires weekly stacked curbside next to their
household trash cart on the second collection day. Call 311 to
arrange for a pick up.
Tires
in front of abandoned lots will not be collected; they must be
moved in front of a residence with curbside collection.
Residents
can also bring up to five tires to the City Recycling Drop-off
Center, located at 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue, between 8 a.m. and
1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
A free
Integrated Mosquito Management webinar will be offered March 6 at 11
a.m. CST. Please visit www.nola.gov/mosquito
to register.
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