News

July 8, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Reports West Nile Infected Mosquitoes in Orleans Parish

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) today reported that mosquitoes collected this week from the East Bank of Orleans Parish tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). As a result, NOMTRCB tonight will conduct abatement activities.

Adulticide treatments will be conducted by truck between 8 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting. The treatment areas include New Orleans East in the area bounded by I-10, Read Boulevard, Chef Menteur Highway and Wilson Avenue/Mayo Boulevard; and Lakeview in the area bounded by Wisner Boulevard through Beauregard Avenue, Lakeshore Drive, West End Boulevard and Filmore Avenue.

Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds and can later transmit the virus to humans and animals when they bite. Mosquito abatement activities tonight target Culex quinquefasciatus, the local primary vector of WNV. While most human WNV infections are asymptomatic, common mild symptoms can include headache, body aches, fever, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare cases, severe illness affecting the central nervous system can occur. People over 60 years in age or those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

Reducing the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne virus transmission is a community effort. The City asks that residents protect themselves from mosquito bites by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn (when Culex mosquitoes are most active). If outside for long periods of time, especially at night, use insect repellents containing CDC-approved active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus following the recommendations on the product label. NOMTRCB also asks that residents conduct weekly inspections of the home and yard and empty water-filled containers to reduce mosquito breeding sites. 

To report standing water, unkept swimming pools, illegally dumped tires or other mosquito-related issues, please contact NOMTRCB through one of the following methods:

For additional information about WNV, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.

SAFETY TIPS

Protecting Yourself

  • Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
  • Use air-conditioning or fans if possible and make sure window and door screens do not have holes to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
  • If outside for long periods of time, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks if possible.
  • Use insect repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • When using insect repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.

Protecting Your Home

  • Turn over items that can collect water such as kiddie pools, buckets, trash cans, children's toys, wheelbarrows, plant pots and trays or plastic storage containers.
  • Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed such as pet dishes or bird baths. Scrub the side of the containers with soap and a sponge to remove any mosquito eggs.
  • Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened and collected water should be used within one week.
  • Keep rain gutters clean and fix leaky outdoor faucets.
  • Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps or sheeting used to cover cars, pools, and other items and arrange them to prevent water collection.
  • Aerate ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles or stock them with fish.
  • Mosquito-proof homes by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
  • Cover all gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
  • Report illegal dumping, water leaks and unattended swimming pools by calling 311.

For more pest management tips, abatement announcements and general information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @nolamosquito.

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