8 more cases of West Nile reported
Sep 6, 2007 08:58 AM
Eight people in seven parishes have been infected with the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, bringing this year's total to 12, state health officials said.
Of the eight cases with symptoms, six are classified as neuroinvasive - the more serious presentation of the disease - and two are considered cases of flu-like West Nile fever, according to a report released Tuesday by the state Department of Health and Hospitals.
Neuro-invasive cases include those where the virus caused swelling of the brain, brain lining or spinal cord.
There have been no reports of deaths as a result of the infections, officials said.
The most recent infections were found in Bossier, Caddo, Lafayette, Livingston, Morehouse, Washington and West Carroll parishes.
To reduce the risk of infection, experts urge people to stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most likely to swarm; cover their legs and arms when they go outside; eliminate standing water, where the insects breed; make sure screens are secure; and spray on repellent containing DEET.
Sep 6, 2007 08:58 AM
Eight people in seven parishes have been infected with the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, bringing this year's total to 12, state health officials said.
Of the eight cases with symptoms, six are classified as neuroinvasive - the more serious presentation of the disease - and two are considered cases of flu-like West Nile fever, according to a report released Tuesday by the state Department of Health and Hospitals.
Neuro-invasive cases include those where the virus caused swelling of the brain, brain lining or spinal cord.
There have been no reports of deaths as a result of the infections, officials said.
The most recent infections were found in Bossier, Caddo, Lafayette, Livingston, Morehouse, Washington and West Carroll parishes.
To reduce the risk of infection, experts urge people to stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most likely to swarm; cover their legs and arms when they go outside; eliminate standing water, where the insects breed; make sure screens are secure; and spray on repellent containing DEET.