The City of New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board Reports Detection of West Nile Virus in Local Mosquitoes
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans
Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTCB) has detected West Nile
virus (WNV) in mosquitoes from Orleans Parish. At this time, no human cases of
WNV have been reported. WNV cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes, and it can be
transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. While the
majority of people infected with WNV have no symptoms, the virus can cause
serious symptoms in some people, especially those over 65 years old and those
who are immunocompromised.
The NOMTCB urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito
bites by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using EPA-approved
repellents and reducing the number of mosquitoes by emptying water-filled
containers.
The Mosquito and Termite Control Board will continue to take
proactive measures to protect residents such as applying insecticides by
truck (as weather permits) and applying larvicide to prevent mosquitoes from
developing. The New Orleans Health Department will continue educating
residents through community outreach.
The mosquitoes that can spread WNV are called Culex Quinquefasciatus or the “Southern House” mosquito and can grow to
adults in as little as 7 days. This makes it important for residents to
evaluate yards on a weekly basis and eliminate standing water. Remove trash and
clutter including discarded waste, tires, buckets, tarps and any other items
that could collect water. Empty containers and change water weekly in
containers that cannot be removed, such as bird baths, pet dishes and wading
pools. Make sure swimming pools and fountains are operational and
circulating.
SAFETY TIPS
Protecting Yourself
- Reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between
dusk and dawn.
- Use air conditioning, and make sure window and door screens are in
good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
- If outside for long periods of time, wear long-sleeved shirts and
pants.
- The CDC recommends using repellents containing EPA-registered
active ingredients including DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of
lemon-eucalyptus.
- When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the
product label.
-
For additional information regarding West Nile virus, visit the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Protecting Your Home And Yard
- Eliminate standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can
grow & develop.
- Remove trash and clutter, dispose of discarded tires and
containers that can hold water. Turn over wading pools, buckets, trash cans,
children's toys or anything that could collect water.
- Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as
pet dishes or bird baths.
- Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be
screened, and collected water should be used within one week.
- Aerate ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles, or stock them
with fish.
-
Call 311 or email mosquitocontrol@nola.gov to report mosquito
problems like illegal dumping, water leaks, stagnant water, unattended swimming pools or for an inspection.
Tires are easily filled with water by rain and collect leaf
litter, providing an ideal habitat for mosquito larvae. Eliminate waste tires.
-
Residents can dispose of up to 4
tires each week by stacking them curbside with their household trash.
-
Tires in front of abandoned lots will not be collected; they must be moved in front of a residence with
curbside collection.
- Residents can also bring up to 4 tires to the City’s Recycling
Drop-off Center on the second Saturday of each month, including this Saturday (July 14), between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The City's Recycling Drop-off Center is located at 2829
Elysian Fields Avenue.
Report Mosquito Issues
-
Report mosquito issues to
311 or mosquitocontrol@nola.gov
- Visit the state and city’s
websites for additional information.
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