First Reported Case of Neuroinvasive West Nile Disease in Acadiana Since 2018 Confirmed by Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) revealed on August 24, 2022, that the Office of Public Health (OPH) confirmed a human case of potentially fatal neuroinvasive West Nile illness in Acadiana (Region 4). This is Acadiana’s first documented case since 2018.

To date, Louisiana has reported 14 neuroinvasive West Nile disease cases and two deaths from West Nile virus infection.

This year, LDH has received reports of West Nile virus in more than 687 positive mosquito pools across the state, a significant increase from the 242 positive pools recorded at this time last year. The number of mosquito pools in Region 4 has increased from 8 at this time last year to 56 this year.

Because of the large number of positive cases in the pool samples and the heightened danger of the West Nile virus spreading to humans, OPH is advising the public to avoid mosquito bites.

“This is shaping up to be a very challenging West Nile season and we are entering the peak time for transmission in our state,” said Region 4 Medical Director Dr. Tina Stefanksi. “That is why it is so important for residents to please remember to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites whenever you are participating in outdoor activities.”

The West Nile virus is carried by mosquitos and can infect humans and animals. While 80% of human cases are asymptomatic, West Nile fever can affect a large number of people. A flu-like sickness with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rashes.

A small number of patients infected with West Nile virus can develop West Nile neuroinvasive illness or West Nile encephalitis, which can lead to hospitalization and death. High fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, numbness, coma, and paralysis are all possible symptoms.

These symptoms can linger for several weeks and are associated with the risk of death or lasting brain damage. While anybody is at danger of having serious disease, people with pre-existing medical issues and those over the age of 60 are at a higher risk.

LDH shared these tips for preventing West Nile Virus:

• If you will be outside, you should wear EPA-registered approved mosquito repellent and always follow product label instructions.
• Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing, but do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• To protect yourself from being exposed to mosquitos while indoors, make sure that windows and doors are tight-fitting, and that all screens are free of holes.

LDH also shared these tips for protecting your home from mosquitoes:

• Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
• Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots, and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property that may collect water. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, or anything that could collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. If a recycling container has holes on the sides, there is still room for the container to collect water for mosquitoes to breed, so holes should be added to the bottom if not already present.
• Check and clean roof gutters routinely. Clogged gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Water gardens and ornamental pools can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Take steps to prevent stagnation, such as adding fish or aeration.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family for as little as a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
• Contact local mosquito abatement districts to report problem mosquito areas.