Louisiana - 2 confirmed travel-related cases of Zika virus

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One New Travel-Related Zika Case Confirmed in Louisiana - Total 7

[h=3]One New Travel-Related Zika Case Confirmed in Louisiana[/h] [h=4]Seven Louisiana residents have had the infection[/h] Friday, June 24, 2016 | Contact: Media & Communications: Phone: 225.342.1532, E-mail: dhhinfo@la.gov
Baton Rouge, La.?The Louisiana Department of Health's Public Health Laboratory has confirmed one additional case of Zika virus. The patient had travelled to a region with ongoing Zika transmission and sought medical care in Louisiana after, where tests confirmed the viral infection.
This is the seventh case of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. There have been no confirmed cases of local transmission within Louisiana or in the rest of the 50 states.
After travelling to an area with ongoing Zika transmission, the patient returned to Louisiana and began to show symptoms of an illness, prompting the individual to seek treatment. The patient and their health care provider have been notified of the Zika-positive result.
The Department of Health has reported the case to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and it has been included in the CDC's Zika case count for Louisiana. National and state case counts can be found at www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/united-states.html.
Avoiding Infection by Zika Virus:
Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women, women who could be pregnant, and the male sexual partners of pregnant women or those seeking to have a child in particular should therefore avoid travel to areas of active transmission.
As Zika can also be transmitted through sexual activity with an infected male partner, pregnant women and women who could be pregnant should be sure to use a condom when having sex with a male partner who may be infected with Zika.
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g., wear long sleeves and pants, use EPA-approved insect repellant, etc.).
The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens and that there is no standing water around their home, especially in small containers.
For more information about preventing Zika virus, visit www.dhh.louisiana.gov/zika.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.dhh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3867

 

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​Report: Zika risk in New Orleans could hit people in poverty hardest

Report: Zika risk in New Orleans could hit people in poverty hardest

New Orleans has been ground zero for many things, including the deadly hurricane Katrina. The new threat to New Orleans is the Zika virus, as their high levels of sub-standard housing leave those in property vulnerable to ZIka. Kelly Jordan, USA TODAY

Liz Szabo, USA TODAY , WWL 11:34 AM. CDT July 01, 2016


NEW ORLEANS ? There?s no mystery about how the mosquitoes got into Shawanda Holmes? former home. They flew through a gaping hole in the wall.

One of the wooden boards on the side of the house is partly missing, covered only by a loose, blue plastic tarp that flows down the outside wall and crumples in a heap on the grass. Rainwater pools in its folds, providing an ideal site for mosquitoes to breed. Trash fills the backyard.

Holmes' home had no air conditioning, and she was afraid to plug in a fan, for fear that water had leaked into the electrical outlet. Mosquitoes repeatedly bit her children, ages 4, 6 and 14.

?The mosquitoes were tearing us up, no matter what I did," said Holmes, 32, who lives in New Orleans' Center City neighborhood.

If Zika spreads in the United States, Americans who live in substandard housing and neglected neighborhoods could face the greatest danger, particularly along the Gulf Coast ? where steamy summers, high poverty rates and a dizzying array of mosquitoes could allow the virus to take hold, said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Houston?s Baylor College of Medicine.

About 45 million Americans live in poverty, including 8 million along the Gulf Coast.
...

Read more...
http://www.wwltv.com/news/health/re...could-hit-people-in-poverty-hardest/261644102

 

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Louisiana - Another travel-related Zika case confirmed - Total 9

[FONT=&quot] [h=1]Another Travel-Related Zika Case Confirmed in Louisiana[/h]

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[FONT=&quot] July 21, 2016

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[FONT=&quot] The Louisiana Department of Health has received confirmation of one additional case of Zika virus. The patient had travelled to a region with ongoing Zika transmission and sought medical care in Louisiana after returning, where tests confirmed the viral infection.
This is the ninth case of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. There have been no confirmed cases of local transmission within Louisiana.
After travelling to an area with ongoing Zika transmission, the patient returned to Louisiana and began to show symptoms of an illness, prompting the individual to seek treatment. The patient and their health care provider have been notified of the Zika-positive result.
The Department of Health has reported the case to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and it will soon be included in the CDC's Zika case count for Louisiana. National and state case counts can be found here.
Zika Surveillance
Dr. Frank Welch, Medical Director for the Center for Community Preparedness, says the State of Louisiana through the Office of Public Health conducts Zika surveillance activities in an effort to detect Zika virus infections as soon as possible.
?Surveillance is twofold. It includes working with hospitals and other health care providers so that we are notified if and when a possible Zika case is diagnosed,? Welch explained. ?It also includes our work with mosquito control personnel throughout the state who alert us if they detect mosquitoes that are carrying the virus.?
Welch says the goal is to have robust early warning systems in place that will allow the State to know if a local Zika infection has occurred so the public can be warned.
Avoiding Infection by Zika Virus
Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread from an infected man to his sex partner, pregnant women should have their male partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.

The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially in small containers.
For more information about preventing Zika virus, visit ldh.la.gov/zika.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3903

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​Louisiana receives federal Zika funding to help fight virus - 10 travel-related cases

Louisiana receives federal Zika funding to help fight virus

Tania Dall, WWL 10:10 PM. CDT July 22, 2016

NEW ORLEANS -- On Friday, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the tenth Zika-related case in the state connected to people who have traveled outside the country...
...
"We're monitoring just like Florida does, and we are very concerned as we go into the summer months in Louisiana. We do not want Zika to start spreading locally,? said Dr. Frank Welch, Louisiana Department of Health Medical Director for Community Preparedness.
...
The Louisiana Department of Health just received $2.4 million from the CDC to help fight the Zika virus. State health officials confirm some of that money will be used in metro New Orleans to help educate the public and it will also help fund critical medical upgrades across the state.

"Upgrade some computer systems and equipment and supplies that are specific for Zika testing. When a new disease like this comes out, you're often times behind the ball, it hasn't been a thing before. So you need to make sure to get equipment and supplies to test for it,? said Dr. Welch.
...
State health officials say some of that CDC funding Louisiana received this week will also be used to help manage and track a pregnancy registry.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/lou...al-zika-funding-to-help-fight-virus/280030730

 

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​14 travel-related Zika cases confirmed in Louisiana

14 Zika cases confirmed in Louisiana

POSTED 10:45 AM, JULY 27, 2016, BY WGNO WEB DESK, UPDATED AT 02:11PM, JULY 27, 2016

BATON ROUGE ? Over the past week, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed five additional cases of Zika virus. Each patient had travelled to a region with ongoing Zika transmission and sought medical care in Louisiana after returning, where tests confirmed the viral infection.

This brings the total to 14 cases of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. There have been no confirmed cases of local transmission within Louisiana.
...
http://wgno.com/2016/07/27/14-zika-case-confirmed-in-louisiana/

 

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Louisiana Department of Health reports one additional travel-related Zika case - total 15

[FONT=&quot]Department Reports One Additional Travel-Related Zika Case in Louisiana[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]July 29, 2016[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Today, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed one additional case of Zika virus. As in all of the other cases in Louisiana, this patient travelled to a region with ongoing Zika transmission and sought medical care in Louisiana after returning, where tests confirmed the viral infection.

This brings the total to 15 cases of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. Although the state of Florida today reported there is a “high likelihood” of four locally transmitted cases in that state, this is not the situation in Louisiana. Local transmission occurs when an infected mosquito in the area bites another person in the area and transmits the virus.

The most recent case in Louisiana occurred after an individual traveled to an area with ongoing Zika transmission and was bitten by an infected mosquito. The patient was diagnosed after returning to Louisiana, began to show symptoms and sought treatment. The patient and health care provider have been notified of the Zika-positive result. The patient has recovered and poses no risk to others.

The Department of Health has reported the new case to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and it will soon be included in the CDC's Zika case count for Louisiana. National and state case counts can be found here.

The Florida Situation

According to Dr. Frank Welch, Medical Director for the department’s Bureau of Community Preparedness, the four cases in Florida are not unexpected.

“Health officials have recognized that communities and regions with a large population of travelers to areas with active Zika transmission are most at-risk for having local cases. We fully expected this, but are working to prevent it,” he explained. ”Knowing that the virus is spreading in Florida is causing us to redouble our prevention efforts aimed at educating travelers, the health care community and working with mosquito districts and the public to reduce mosquito populations.”

Welch added that Louisiana has a plan to detect local transmission of the Zika virus if and when it occurs, and respond as quickly as possible to minimize and prevent additional transmission.

The early detection of Zika virus is a key strategy to prevent its spread. This is accomplished through several surveillance activities; working with hospitals and other health care providers who notify the Department of Health if and when a possible Zika case is diagnosed. Also, the department works with mosquito control agencies throughout the state who conduct mosquito testing in areas of known human cases to determine if mosquitos in those areas are carrying the virus.

Avoiding Infection by Zika Virus

Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.

All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially in small containers.

For more information about preventing Zika virus, visit ldh.la.gov/zika.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.c...om/detail/3914[/FONT]

 

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Zika cases expected to rise in Louisiana

Zika cases expected to rise in Louisiana

Jessica Goff, jgoff@theadvertiser.com 8:18 p.m. CDT August 2, 2016
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?Certainly what happened in Florida last week heightened the awareness that Zika is very, very real, and could be a very real possibility in Louisiana, given what we know, that we have returning travelers from the Americas who have come back with the Zika virus,? said Dr. Frank Welch, state Department of Health and Hospitals? medical director for the Louisiana Center for Community Preparedness.
...
?What happened in those two counties in Florida is a very real possibility in Louisiana, especially in our southern parishes,? Welch told The Daily Advertiser.
...
As of Tuesday, there have been 15 Zika cases confirmed in Louisiana, but that number is expected to rise, Welch said.

?We do recognize that it is just the tip of the iceberg, because there are people who don?t even know they have it,? Welch said.
...

http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/08/02/zika-cases-expected-rise-louisiana/87956322/

 

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Louisiana - ​New Orleans to launch 'very aggressive' spraying to combat Zika virus

New Orleans to launch 'very aggressive' spraying to combat Zika virus

Greg LaRose, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune By Greg LaRose, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

on August 03, 2016 at 11:32 AM, updated August 03, 2016 at 12:10 PM

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said Wednesday (Aug. 3) the city will spend an additional $500,000 to take "very aggressive" measures to prevent the local spread of the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease proven to cause birth defects.

The city's Mosquito Control Board will step up its application of insecticides and chemicals to kill insect larvae. The mayor and Claudia Riegel, director of mosquito control, said there will be more door-to-door efforts to combat the spread of Zika. That includes reminding citizens to empty water-holding containers in backyards and elsewhere on their property, at least once a week, to eliminate breeding areas for mosquitoes.
...
There have been 17 travel cases of Zika in Louisiana, seven of which are in New Orleans. More than 15 people in the Miami have contracted the virus from local mosquitoes, and the CDC has tracked more than 1,600 cases in the U.S. involving travel.
...
http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2016/08/new_orleans_to_launch_very_agg.html

 

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Louisiana Medicaid to cover mosquito repellent for Zika prevention

[FONT=&quot]Louisiana Medicaid to Cover Mosquito Repellent for Zika Prevention[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]August 04, 2016[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is now allowing states to pay for mosquito repellent for Medicaid enrollees as a Zika virus prevention measure.

Following this announcement, the Louisiana Medicaid program adopted a policy to allow physicians to prescribe mosquito repellent to their Medicaid patients. The Department of Health has identified which mosquito repellents are acceptable for use during pregnancy, and has disseminated this information to providers as well as to the public via the LDH website.

According to Dr. SreyRam Kuy, chief medical officer for the Medicaid program, the agency worked with its pharmacy team and Medicaid health plans as well as the CDC and the Office of Public Health to develop the policy.
“
With this policy, we now offer coverage for mosquito repellents for pregnant women and beneficiaries who are actively planning to conceive. Although our plan was for this coverage to begin as soon as there was local transmission documented in Louisiana, some of our health plans have already started reimbursing for mosquito repellent, and in light of the rapid growth of local transmission cases in Florida, we are now pre-emptively activating our coverage of repellents.” said Dr. Kuy.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that causes fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. Symptoms are usually mild, but pregnant women who become infected can have babies with severe birth defects. Zika can also be transmitted sexually.

Louisiana’s Medicaid program already provides prenatal care, family counseling and contraception, which are the program’s primary Zika virus prevention measures, to its enrollees given the risks Zika virus poses to unborn children.

Dr. Rebekah Gee, LDH secretary said it is good public policy for Medicaid to cover mosquito repellent for female enrollees who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.

“This coverage will serve as a new prevention tool to augment and expand our efforts to protect women from contracting Zika virus, thereby decreasing their risk of delivering a baby with a severe birth defect such as microcephaly.”

There have been no locally-transmitted cases of Zika virus in Louisiana, but health officials urge all women who are pregnant, could be pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant to take all appropriate precautions when it comes to Zika virus prevention. Any woman who has experienced a recent Zika virus infection, even one acquired while travelling outside of Louisiana, should postpone pregnancy until consulting with their primary physician.

Only insect repellents registered and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and that contain either DEET or Picaridin will be covered under the new program.

The Louisiana Medicaid policy on mosquito repellent coverage can be found on the Medicaid website.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.c...om/detail/3919[/FONT]

 

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Louisiana Department of Health reports four additional travel-related Zika cases - Total 19

[FONT=&quot] [h=1]Department Reports Four Additional Travel-Related Zika Cases in Louisiana[/h]

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[FONT=&quot] August 05, 2016

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[FONT=&quot] [h=2]Total of 19 state residents have had the infection, all are travel-related cases[/h] Baton Rouge, La. ? This week, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed four additional cases of Zika virus. As in all of the other cases in Louisiana, the patients travelled to regions in the Americas with ongoing Zika transmission and sought medical care in Louisiana after returning, where tests confirmed the viral infection.
This brings the total to 19 cases of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. Although the state of Florida has reported several locally transmitted cases in that state, this is not the situation in Louisiana. Local transmission occurs when an infected mosquito in the area bites another person in the area and transmits the virus. This local transmission is much more likely in the parishes around Lake Pontchartrain than other areas of the state.
National and state case counts compiled by the CDC can be found here. Once a travel-related case is identified, public health officials and local mosquito control agencies are notified to take action to minimize the potential for local spread.
Early Detection Efforts in Louisiana
Public health officials in Louisiana are on high alert to detect and report Zika virus cases as early as possible. According to Dr. Frank Welch, Medical Director for the department?s Bureau of Community Preparedness, the early detection of Zika virus is a key strategy to prevent its spread.
?Our surveillance activities include working with hospitals and other health care providers who notify us if and when a possible Zika case is diagnosed, ?Welch said. ?We also work with mosquito control agencies throughout the state who conduct mosquito testing in areas of known human cases to determine if mosquitos in those areas are carrying the virus."
Avoiding Infection by Zika Virus
State health officials work with local officials and the healthcare community throughout Louisiana to educate and develop prevention strategies against the local spread of the Zika virus. Working with parishes where we have both returning travelers from Zika affected areas and the mosquito that spreads Zika is doubly important.
Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.

The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially in small containers.
For more information about preventing Zika virus, visit ldh.la.gov/zika.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3924

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Louisiana - Mosquitos that carry Zika already in New Orleans

Mosquitos that carry Zika already in New Orleans

Wynton Yates, WWL 10:50 PM. CDT August 09, 2016
...
As a part of the New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board, Wesson said it's not a matter of if Zika carrying mosquitos will make their way to south Louisiana, but rather when. In fact, public health officials said those mosquitoes are already here, and it's a just matter of them biting a person already infected with the virus. They said that could start the spread Zika locally.
...
"We've already got them here, there being produced in our back yard and containers and if that's the one message I can really get across is clean up your yards,? Wesson said.

Wesson explained the mosquitos that carry Zika don't need that much water to survive, they actually only need about a bottlecap full. She also explained elephant ears, a very popular plant in south Louisiana, tends to catch a lot of water at their base, serving as a perfect breeding ground for these mosquitos. She suggested if you put sand in the base of the plant it should keep mosquitos away from the water.
...
http://www.wwltv.com/news/health/mosquitos-that-carry-zika-already-in-new-orleans/292487541

 

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Louisiana - Department of Health reports four additional travel-related Zika cases in Louisiana - total 23

[FONT=&quot] [h=1]Department Reports Four Additional Travel-Related Zika Cases in Louisiana[/h]

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[FONT=&quot] August 12, 2016

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[FONT=&quot] This week, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed four additional case of Zika virus. As in all of the other cases in Louisiana, the patients travelled to regions in the Americas with ongoing Zika transmission and sought medical care in Louisiana after returning, where tests confirmed the viral infection.

This brings the total to 23 cases of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. Although the state of Florida has reported several locally transmitted cases in that state, this is not the situation in Louisiana. Local transmission occurs when an infected mosquito in the area bites another person in the area and transmits the virus. This local transmission is much more likely in the parishes around Lake Pontchartrain than other areas of the state.

National and state case counts compiled by the CDC can be found here. Once a travel-related case is identified, public health officials and local mosquito control agencies are notified to take action to minimize the potential for local spread.

Detection Efforts for Local Transmission in Louisiana

Although no locally-transmitted cases have yet been found in Louisiana, public health officials are on high alert to detect and report Zika virus cases as early as possible. According to Dr. Frank Welch, Medical Director for the department?s Bureau of Community Preparedness, the early detection of local transmission of the Zika virus is a key strategy to prevent its spread.

?Our surveillance activities include working with hospitals and other health care providers who notify us if and when a possible Zika case is diagnosed,? Welch said. ?We also work with mosquito control agencies throughout the state who conduct mosquito testing in areas of known human cases to determine if mosquitos in those areas are carrying the virus.?

Prevention: Avoiding a Zika Infection

State health officials are also working closely with local officials and the healthcare community throughout Louisiana to educate and implement prevention strategies against the local spread of the Zika virus. Working with parishes where we have both returning travelers from Zika-affected areas and the mosquito that spreads Zika is doubly important.

Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.

All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.

The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially in small containers.

For more information about preventing Zika virus, visit ldh.la.gov/zika.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3932

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Flooding might increase mosquitoes and Zika risk in Louisiana

Flooding might increase mosquitoes and Zika risk in Louisiana

Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY 5:53 p.m. EDT August 14, 2016

The massive flooding across southeastern Louisiana over the weekend could bring an increased risk for the Zika virus after the waters recede, an expert in tropical medicine said Sunday.

Strong floodwaters often wash away mosquito eggs, which would be good news.

But mosquito eggs already laid in containers, such as empty buckets or tires, could be protected from surging water and then be stimulated to hatch after the flooding recedes, said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

?We could be seeing an increase number of Aedes aegypti now in the coming weeks,? he said about the mosquito species that carries the Zika virus. "This is crunch time."
...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...-might-increase-zika-risk-louisiana/88724914/

 

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Expert Says Fears Of Zika Spreading In Flooding Not A Major Concern

By EILEEN FLEMING ? 7 HOURS AGO

With all the floodwater in Louisiana, some may be worrying about whether the extremely wet conditions could attract mosquitos carrying the Zika virus. A leading expert says that?s not a main concern.
...
?We have no evidence that Zika is present in the area. And the mosquitos that transmit West Nile Virus are much more likely to be helped by the flooding than are those that transmit Zika virus," she said.

She says the mosquitos that carry the Zika virus ? which is linked to birth defects ? are mostly in the New Orleans region ? and they don?t travel far.
...
http://wwno.org/post/expert-says-fears-zika-spreading-flooding-not-major-concern

 

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Louisiana - State reports three more travel-related Zika cases - Total 26

[FONT=&quot] [h=1]Mosquito-Borne Disease Update: State Reports Three More Zika Cases in Louisiana[/h]

[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] August 26, 2016

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[FONT=&quot] This week, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed three additional cases of Zika virus. This brings the total to 26 cases of travel-associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana. There are no known locally transmitted cases here. Local transmission occurs when an infected mosquito in the area bites another person in the area and transmits the virus. This local transmission is much more likely in the parishes around Lake Pontchartrain than other areas of the state.
National and state Zika virus case counts compiled by the CDC can be found here. Once a travel-related case is identified, public health officials and local mosquito control agencies are notified to take action to minimize the potential for local spread.
14 West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed
Louisiana?s first cases of West Nile virus of this year have also been confirmed. Dr. Raoult Ratard, state epidemiologist said none of these cases are related to the recent flooding event.
?These West Nile infections all occurred before the recent flooding. I do not expect that we will see as many cases as we?ve seen in past as we are having a late start to the time of the year when we normally begin to see people getting West Nile virus infections,? Ratard said.
West Nile case counts are compiled by the CDC here.
South Louisiana Floods and Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Dr. Frank Welch, medical director of community preparedness at the Louisiana Department of Health, said the recent floods increase the risk of West Nile virus in areas that were flooded.
Welch said residents should see an immediate reduction of mosquitoes because the floods drowned most of the mosquito populations. But, he added that as the waters reside, mosquitoes will return and their numbers will increase due to standing water left from the flood.
?We can expect to see an increase in many types of mosquitoes after flooding, and also in the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus" said Welch. ?The mosquitoes that can carry Zika virus are located in the region in and around New Orleans which were not impacted by the floods. However, there has been a lot of rain in the New Orleans area, which does foster the environment where the Zika virus mosquito thrives?.
"CDC is working closely with state and local officials in Louisiana to monitor the situation,? said Dr. Ben Beard, chief of CDC?s Bacterial Diseases Branch. ?Though it is possible that Louisiana may see an increase in the number of cases of West Nile virus as a result of the flooding, studies show that flooding does not typically result in increased risk.?
Prevention: Avoiding a Zika Infection
Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.

The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially small containers.
Weekly Mosquito Reporting
For more information about preventing Zika virus, visit ldh.la.gov/zika. For weekly arboviral reports with more detailed information about West Nile and Zika infections in Louisiana, click here.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit [url]www.ldh.la.gov.[/URL] For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3969

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[Pathfinder]

Louisiana - 28 travel-associated cases of Zika, 1 sexually transmitted

[FONT=&quot] [h=1]State Updates West Nile and Zika Case Counts[/h]

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[FONT=&quot] September 09, 2016

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[FONT=&quot] The Louisiana Department of Health is providing updated information about West Nile and Zika virus cases in the state. There have been 10 additional West Nile and two additional Zika cases confirmed.
Weekly arboviral reports with more detailed information about West Nile and Zika infections in Louisiana are available here.
The Department of Health has also produced several video public service announcements about mosquito bite prevention. These videos can be found here.
West Nile Virus
The total number of confirmed West Nile virus cases this year in Louisiana now stands at 24. Of those, 13 were neuroinvasive disease, nine were fever and two were asymptomatic. There have not been any West Nile-linked deaths in the state in 2016.
West Nile case counts are compiled by the CDC here.
Zika Virus
There have been 28 total confirmed cases of Zika virus in Louisiana. None of these cases were contracted from a local mosquito bite; all are travel-related. Once a travel-related case is identified, public health officials and local mosquito control agencies are notified to take action to minimize the potential for local spread.
National and state Zika virus case counts compiled by the CDC can be found here.
Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.

The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially small containers.
?Mosquitoes remain active through late fall and even during the winter, and can continue to spread disease,? said Kyle Moppert, State Medical Entomologist. ?It?s important to protect yourself, your family, and even your neighbors by remaining attentive to removing standing water from your yard as well as other protective measures. This is especially important with so much of the state experiencing daily afternoon showers that leave water standing in containers that might have recently been emptied. Each week when you take out your trash, walk around your yard and empty any containers that hold standing water.?
Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit [url]www.ldh.la.gov.[/URL] For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3990

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• CDC Week 35

...


Zika Summary Page 8

ZIKV in Louisiana

Locally acquired mosquito-borne cases: 0
Travel-associated cases: 28
Sexually Transmitted 1
Guillain-Barr? Syndrome 0

Parish Cases

Ascension 1
Caddo 1
East Baton Rouge 1
Jefferson 4
Lafayette 1
Livingston 2
Orleans 11
Ouachita 1
St. Landry 4
St. Tammany 2
Total 28

Countries of Travel:

Belize
Colombia
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Puerto Rico
Saint Lucia
Trinidad
USVI
Venezuela
...

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[Pathfinder]

Louisiana - 31 travel-associated cases of Zika, 1 sexually transmitted

[FONT=&quot] [h=1]State Updates West Nile and Zika Case Counts[/h]

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[FONT=&quot] September 23, 2016

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[FONT=&quot] The Louisiana Department of Health is providing updated information about West Nile and Zika virus cases in the state. There have been two additional West Nile and three additional Zika cases confirmed.
Weekly Arboviral Reports with more detailed information about West Nile and Zika infections in Louisiana are available here.
The Department of Health has also produced several video public service announcements about mosquito bite prevention. These videos can be found here.
West Nile Virus
The total number of confirmed West Nile virus cases this year in Louisiana now stands at 26. Of those, 16 were neuroinvasive disease, eight were fever and two were asymptomatic. There have not been any West Nile-linked deaths in the state in 2016.
West Nile case counts are compiled by the CDC here.
Zika Virus
There have been 31 total confirmed cases of Zika virus in Louisiana. None of these cases were contracted from a local mosquito bite; all are travel-related. Once a travel-related case is identified, public health officials and local mosquito control agencies are notified to take action to minimize the potential for local spread.
National and state Zika virus case counts compiled by the CDC can be found here.
Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.

The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially small containers.
Dr. Frank Welch, medical director of community preparedness at the Louisiana Department of Health, stressed Zika virus is most dangerous to pregnant woman and to women who are considering becoming pregnant.
?We continue to remind people that Zika virus is spreading rapidly in many Latin America countries, and the virus can have devastating effect to fetuses. In addition to birth defects such as microcephaly, there is also evidence the virus can cause premature birth or a miscarriage,? Dr. Welch said. ?Women who are traveling to these regions, especially those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy, should seriously evaluate the Zika risks associated with travel.?
According to the CDC, other birth defects that have been linked to Zika include eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit [url]www.ldh.la.gov.[/URL] For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/4000

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CDC Week 37


Louisiana Arbovirus Surveillance Summary 2016
CDC Week 37
...
Zika Summary

ZIKV in Louisiana
Locally acquired mosquito-borne cases: 0
Travel-associated cases: 31
Sexually Transmitted 1
Guillain-Barr? Syndrome 0

Parish
Ascension 1
Caddo 1
East Baton Rouge 2
Jefferson 5
Lafayette 1
Livingston 2
Orleans 11
Ouachita 1
St. James 1
St. Landry 4
St. Tammany 2
Total 31

Countries of Travel:
Belize
Colombia
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Puerto Rico
Saint Lucia
Trinidad
USVI
Venezuela
...




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[Pathfinder]

Louisiana - Zika: 33 travel-related cases, 1 sexually transmitted, 6 pregnant women

[FONT=&quot]LDH urges continued efforts to prevent mosquito bites[/FONT]




[FONT=&quot]October 14, 2016[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]The Department of Health continues to get reports of newly confirmed Zika and West Nile virus cases. Details of these cases are updated on the Department of Health’s website, Arboviral Surveillance Reports, and can be found here.
Zika Virus
State health officials have now confirmed 34 cases of Zika virus in Louisiana. Each of these cases are travel-related. Once a travel-related case is identified, public health officials and local mosquito control agencies are notified to take action to minimize the potential for local spread. As of today, there have been no reported cases of locally-spread Zika virus.
National and state Zika virus case counts compiled by the CDC can be found here.
West Nile Virus
There are now a total of 30 confirmed West Nile virus cases this year in Louisiana. Of those, 17 were neuroinvasive disease, 10 were fever and three were asymptomatic. There have not been any West Nile-linked deaths in the state in 2016. West Nile case counts are compiled nationally by the CDC here.
Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases
All travelers to areas where Zika virus is active should be aware and take the following steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites:[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The same precautions apply at home, and people should also make sure their house is mosquito-proof by ensuring their windows and doors have intact screens. Once a week or after every rainfall, empty standing water from any containers around your home, especially small containers.
Zika virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for certain severe birth defects as a result of infection. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. The CDC has a list of travel notices for these areas here. Because Zika can spread through sexual activity, pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.c...om/detail/4035

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• [FONT=&quot]CDC Week 40[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Page 8[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]ZIKV in Louisiana
  Locally acquired mosquito-borne cases: 0
  Positive 0
  Travel-associated cases: 33a
  Sexually Transmitted 1
  Guillain-Barr? Syndrome 0
  
  Parish Cases
  Ascension 1
  Caddo 1
  East Baton Rouge 2
  Jefferson 5
  Lafayette 1
  Livingston 2
  Orleans 12
  Ouachita 1
  St. Charles 1
  St. James 1
  St. Landry 4
  St. Tammany 2
  Total 33
  
  Countries of Travel:
  Belize
  Colombia
  Dominican Republic
  El Salvador
  Grenada
  Guatemala
  Haiti
  Honduras
  Jamaica
  Mexico
  Nicaragua
  Puerto Rico
  Saint Lucia
  Trinidad
  USVI
  Venezuela
  
  Louisiana Data for U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry Total
  Travel-associated infections: 6
  "This number includes 2 pregnant women who are also reported above as Zika disease cases"
  Louisiana has reported any pregnant woman or newborn residing in Louisiana who has laboratory evidence of Zika
  infection to the CDC Pregnancy Registry. The U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry casts a wide net - beyond reported Zika
  cases - to track and follow pregnancies that may have been impacted by Zika. Regardless of symptoms, pregnant
  women and newborns are included if testing for Zika virus infection yielded positive or inconclusive test results. Also
  this includes individuals who don't qualify as Zika cases because they have had no symptoms or if the infection
  couldn't be specifically identified as Zika virus but have some lab indication of a Flavivirus infection. Flaviviruses are
  known to cross-react during antibody testing, making it difficult to determine if the person was infected with Zika or
  some other flavivirus.
  "
  Note: No other details will be provided about Louisiana pregnancies reported to CDC due to privacy concerns and it
  is not warranted from a public health standpoint.
  ...[/FONT]

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