STORM2K

Looks like we've got trouble here in Lafayette Parish. Mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus are being found here in town. Might have to go out and purchase a Mosquito Magnet (somekind of mosquito fogger).



Ten local birds have West Nile
Claire Taylor
ctaylor@theadvertiser.com

September 30, 2004

LAFAYETTE — Ten birds in Lafayette Parish tested positive this week for West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause brain damage and death.

“Out of 60 birds tested by the state, 55 tested positive for West Nile virus,” said Glenn Stokes Sr., president of Mosquito Control Contractors Inc., which sprays and monitors for mosquitoes in several

Acadiana parishes. “The hottest spot in the state is Lafayette with 10.”

In southwest Louisiana, the following parishes had birds with West Nile virus this week: Lafayette, 10 birds; Calcasieu, 6; Allen, 5; St. Landry, 4; St. Mary, 4; Evangeline, 3; Acadia, 2; Vermilion, 1; Iberia, 1; and Cameron, 1.

“It’s Acadiana and southwest Louisiana,” Stokes said. “Why? There’s more virus and more vigilance.”

In Lafayette Parish, eight of the birds were found in the city, most off Johnston Street between Ambassador Caffery Parkway and UL Lafayette, Stokes said. The birds were found on Felecie, Emerite, Woodbluff, La Rue France, Clara Von, Live Oak and Maurice streets.

The other two birds in Lafayette Parish were found in Carencro and Broussard.


©The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
September 30, 2004


http://www.theadvertiser.com/news/html/ ... 32D4.shtml

We had our first confirmed death from West Nile Virus here in Houston yesterday. To say the least the county and city are fogging away.

cajun mama,
I read the article the other day in the BR local paper. I would like to try and explain a little about west nile virus. While it is a serious and potentially life threatning illness. Most off the people who are at risk are those that have some type of compromised immune system. A lot of healthy people contract the virus and only have a few days of flu like symptoms. It is best to avoid being bitten than to try and eradicate mosquitos around your home. remember to wear repellant, long sleeves and pants, and to avoid exposure during the peak hours of dusk and dawn. The finding of 10 birds in such a small area does seem to indicate that there is a rather potent resovoir of the virus in the area but some sensible precautions can really save a lot of worry. Sorry if i seemed to lecture but i see a lot of hysteria surrounding west nile and it is simply not that serious a threat to healty adults.
Tim

There was already 13 cases in Dallas County alone. One of them in the 75062 area of Irving, TX.

Well, I don't think mosquitoes are a problem here since we had our first killer frost on October 1. I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.