The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury has received confirmation from the Louisiana Diagnostic Laboratory that mosquito pools in the parish continue to test positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). In response to this, the Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control team has ramped up both ground and aerial applications to reduce the transmission and spread of the virus.
The West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause severe illness in humans, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WNV is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, and there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for humans.
To combat the spread of WNV, the Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control team has increased its efforts to control the mosquito population. Ground applications involve spraying insecticides in areas where mosquitoes are most active, while aerial applications involve dispersing insecticides from aircraft to cover larger areas.
Residents are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying insect repellent, and eliminating standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding. By taking these measures, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases.