Relatives of a Shreveport man who died from the West Nile virus say he may have contracted it near his home. Walter David German, 54, died last Friday after spending several weeks in a hospital.
His brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Janet German, told News 12 that Walter German often spent time outdoors near his home in the 2800 block of Hollywood Avenue. They said shortly before he entered the hospital, he complained about being bitten by mosquitoes. Now, relatives who still live in the home are doing their best to get rid of the pests.
"One of his sisters--he had a lot of cans out in the yard--and she's cleaned all that up," said Janet German. "They're emptying out water--containers that had water in it and, you know, being more careful."
Neighbors also are being more careful when it comes to mosquitoes. Chesaray Armstrong decided to empty out his family's inflatable pool after it proved to be a breeding ground for the flying pests. His one-year-old daughter and a toddler friend got caught up in a swarm and had to be hospitalized for their bites.
"We spent three days in the hospital," Armstrong said. "(Mosquitoes) are just bad in this whole area, and that's why we just mainly keep (the children) in the house now."
Other neighbors who do venture outdoors are making sure they're protected.
"That's got me a little worried," said Tom Poston. "I think I'm gonna have to go and buy me a few cans of Off and keep it on me."
Poston said he regularly spends time outside, on the grounds of his used car lot. Many of those days used to include conversations with Walter German.
"He seemed like a real nice guy," Poston said.
In addition to the efforts residents are making, the Caddo Mosquito Control District will be helping out. Beginning Wednesday evening, they'll conduct regular spraying of the area.
The treatment, though, comes too late for German. His funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday at Forest Park East. The family has set up an account at Regents Bank on Hearne Avenue for donations to help offset the cost of those arrangements.
