WGNO

LDH: 1st case of West Nile in Acadiana since 2018

According to the CDC, West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting the first human case of the potentially deadly neuroinvasive West Nile disease in Acadiana since 2018.

Louisiana has reported two deaths and 14 cases of the disease to date in 2022, according to LDH officials. There are two types of West Nile: neuroinvasive and non-neuroinvasive. Neuroinvasive includes cases reported as meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. All cases in Louisiana to date in 2022 have been neuroinvasive.


Herff Jones of Iberia Parish Mosquito Control stated, “This is not a surprise. West Nile virus and its related cousins, the other encephalitis viruses, are endemic to Louisiana and to the United States. Meaning that they are a part of our biological and ecological systems where we live for good.”

“We know its behavior. Its flight range is about a mile to a mile and a half,” stated Jones.

The news comes a day after mosquito samples submitted for testing from Iberia Parish Mosquito Control District tested positive for West Nile.

“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.”

According to LDH, West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause illness in people and animals. While 80% of human cases are asymptomatic, many people can develop West Nile fever. A flu-like illness, symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or rashes.

A small percentage of people sickened by West Nile virus can develop a severe form of infection called West Nile neuroinvasive disease or West Nile encephalitis, which can result in hospitalization and death. Symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, numbness, coma and paralysis.

These symptoms may last several weeks and carry the risk of death or permanent brain damage. While anyone is at risk of developing severe disease, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and those who are over 60 years of age are at a greater risk. 

LDH said it has received reports of the West Nile virus present in more than 687 positive mosquito pools statewide this year, a significant increase over the 242 positive pools reported at this time last year. In Acadiana alone, the number of mosquito pools has jumped from eight at this time last year to 56 this year. 

Tips to protect yourself against West Nile

Protecting your home from mosquitoes