West Nile discovered in second location

The West Nile virus is no longer a threat in one north Ruston neighborhood, but the mosquito-borne illness has now shown up in the southeastern part of town.

A mosquito sample taken Aug. 19 on Richardson Street tested positive for West Nile, Vector Disease Control International Program Director Kelli Nestrud said Tuesday.

VDCI is the company that provides mosquito abatement for Ruston.

Authorities think the standing- water source on Richardson Street was a small sewer leak. That’s the same problem that was found on Laura Lane several weeks ago where two mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile.

The leaks have been fixed, and subsequent tests show Laura Lane clear of the virus, Nestrud said.

VDCI trapped mosquitoes again on Richardson Street on Monday night, Nestrud said.

“The number was decreased significantly,” she said.

But officials won’t know until next week if the samples are negative.

VDCI stepped up spraying and surveillance in the area when the positive pool was confirmed.

The company routinely submits mosquito samples to the LSU Disease and Diagnostic Lab to monitor for local viral activity. Samples drawn Monday will be sent to LSU for a recheck.

Positive pools were found on Richardson Street twice last year, first in June and again in August. West Nile Virus is spread by the Culex species of mosquito, generally through birds.

The disease-carrying mosquitoes are found in damp places where birds likely go looking for water. Hot, dry weather tends to foster an increase in virus activity,” Nestrud said.

That’s partially because water in streams and ditches evaporates, leaving more organic matter in the remaining moisture. Birds go there looking for water and get bitten by mosquitoes, and virus spreads.

Humans contract West Nile through mosquito bites.

So far, no human cases of West Nile have been reported in Lincoln Parish, according to the most recent weekly summary from the Louisiana Department of Health.

LDH data also shows the number of positive mosquito pools statewide trending downward.

To minimize risk of contracting West Nile Virus, VDCI recommends the following: – Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and follow the instructions on the label.

– Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

– Remove standing water from your surroundings, such as flower pots, birdbaths, discarded tires, or any other containers that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

– Ensure door and windows have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitos from entering your home.