Minority Serving Institutions Listing. HBCU's the competition is fierce. March 2021

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New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Collects Mosquitoes Infected with West Nile Virus. March 2021

 

 

View it in your browser.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 5, 2021 Contact: LaTonya Norton For Media Inquiries Only communications@nola.gov (504) 658-4962 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.   For additional information regarding West Nile virus, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.   SAFETY TIPS Protecting Yourself 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.   Report any mosquito issues to 311.   # # #