Mosquito: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report standing water on city property?
Call the Water Utilities Office at 318-251-8611 or Public Works at 318-242-7703.
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How do I report a Dead Bird?
The LA Department of Health and Hospitals is no longer collecting and testing dead birds from the general public. Since the spread of the West Nile Virus has now been confirmed from coast to coast, continuing to track the virus through the bird population does not provide any additional information over testing the actual mosquito population. The mosquito population is trapped and tested by VDCI.
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Is the City going to spray for mosquitoes?
Yes, when it is necessary to do so, VDCI will operate a spray program. VDCI will monitor known breeding sites and apply larvicide to control mosquitos in their infant stages. They will also check identified locations from citizen complaints and applying larvicide or adulticide where needed. WHEN NECESSARY, VDCI will conduct an adulticide spray program to kill mosquito populations during active hours. Remember, a truly effective mosquito control program will not require as much spray activity, because controlling the mosquitos where they live and breed is much more effective than depending on the mosquitos “flying into the poison.”
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What precautions should I take at home when my area is being sprayed?
- Bring in pet dishes or cover them.
- Cover ornamental ponds and birdbaths.
- Bring your pets inside for the night.
- Do not go outside during spray times.
- If you have health problems, such as asthma, take special precautions as directed by your doctor, if necessary.
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What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is a virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It is not known how long it has been in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the virus probably has been in the eastern US since early summer of 1999. It is closely related to the St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the US. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other animals.
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How can I reduce my risk of getting West Nile Virus?
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid getting the West Nile Virus. Remember the four Ds:
Drain, Dusk-to-Dawn, Dress and Deet.
Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Standing water can be found in swimming pools that are not kept clean, ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters. Changing flushing water in flower pots and dog dishes twice a week should be sufficient. Be vigilant in removing standing water, because as little as a soda cap full can provide a breeding site for mosquitos.
Dusk-to-Dawn are the times of day you should stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
Dress in light colored long-sleeve shirts and wear pants when you are outside. Spray thin clothing with insect repellent.
DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent.
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What are the symptoms?
Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will not have any signs of illness.Twenty percent of people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.Only about one out of 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop this more severe form of disease. The incubation period of West Nile Virus in humans is three to 14 days. Symptoms of mild disease may last a few days.Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent. Rarely, death can occur.
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How is it spread?
West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, many types of birds and other animals. There is no evidence that West Nile Virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person, except by mosquito bite.
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Who is at risk for West Nile Virus?
People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is not known if people with weakened immune systems are at an increase risk for West Nile Virus.
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How is West Nile Virus treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. In severe cases, intensive supportive therapies are used, such as intravenous fluids and medicine to control fever or pain. Antibiotics may be given for any secondary bacterial infection.
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Can I be vaccinated for West Nile Virus?
Currently there is no vaccine for West Nile virus, but several companies are working toward developing a vaccine.
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How likely am I to be bitten by an infected mosquito?
Less than one percent of those bitten by infected mosquitoes become severely ill.If you have any of the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
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How many cases of West Nile Virus have there been in the City of Ruston in?
While there have been a few cases reported in the last five years, none have been clearly identified as having originated in Ruston. That is to say, with such a long incubation period, individuals who travel or work out of this area may likely be infected in other areas before returning home to Ruston. For the most up-to-date information, go to the LA Department of Health and Hospitals website.
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Do birds or mosquitoes get it first? Where does the virus live?
This is a chicken-or-the-egg question.It is usually found first in birds. Generally, surveillance finds the virus in birds a week or two before finding positive mosquitoes.The virus is in their bloodstream. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. The virus is located in their salivary glands and during blood feeding, the virus can be injected into the animal or human, where it can multiply, possibly causing illness in the animal or human.
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In addition to being infected by the West Nile Virus, what else can cause bird die-offs?
Chemical spills, pesticides, drought, severe weather, food and other diseases.
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What’s an arbovirus?
Any of various viruses that are the causative agents of encephalitis, yellow fever and dengue and that are transmitted chiefly by arthropods, such as insects.
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What kinds of laboratory tests are done to identify the West Nile Virus?
Various tests can be done. The type of test will vary among mosquitoes, humans, and horses.The type of test also depends on the kind of samples available (blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue). Samples may be tested to find antibodies to the West Nile Virus, or there may be an attempt to isolate particles from the sample. More details are available at the
LA Department of Health and Hospitals website.
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