SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -
The rain we've been talking about recently could mean more mosquitoes. Standing water attracts mosquitoes, and mosquitoes can be a direct link to the West Nile Virus. Bird feeders and buckets are breeding grounds for mosquitoes when they fill up with rain water. If you have spot like that in your yard be sure to dump them out.
Louisiana added 39 cases this week to the 215 total cases in the state. Texas' death numbers for the virus are huge, that state has had 57 West Nile deaths. Arkansas lost an officer this week to the West Nile Virus, Sgt. DJ Johnson.
Hurricane Isaac is taking some of the blame for increased numbers. Now that we've got more rain in the area, it means more standing water. A good way to cut down on mosquitoes around you house right now is to talk a walk around and get rid of that standing water. Empty buckets, dog bowls, bird feeders, and anything that holds water. Although most cases of West Nile are mild, the effects of the virus can be very dangerous. "Most severe disease, neurologic disease, can manifest themselves as meningitis with inflammation around the covering of the brain. Those typical symptoms would be sensitivity to light, feeling fatigued, fever, sometimes a stiff neck, difficulty moving your neck forward and backward" Dr John Vanchiere, the pediatric infectious disease doctor at LSU Health, says. Dr. Vanchiere says we are close to the end of West Nile season, so making small efforts like getting rid of standing water and wearing bug spray can make a big difference.
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