In response to an uptick in West Nile virus (WNV) activity within Orleans Parish, the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) has issued a notice alerting residents of additional WNV-positive mosquito pools on the East Bank. The announcement, shared via a city notice, details the control board's plans to conduct an area-wide adulticide spray mission to diminish the adult mosquito population, a known carrier of the virus.
Missions are set for tonight, aiming to reduce the mosquito menace in the Black Pearl & Audubon area, specifically bounded by St Charles Avenue, the Mississippi River, and Nashville Avenue. Due to their nocturnal feastings, spraying will occur between 6:45 p.m. and 10 p.m., weather permitting. This year, human cases of WNV have been spotted not just in New Orleans but in various parishes across the state. Most people infected with WNV experience no symptoms, however, some common symptoms include headache, body aches, and in extreme cases, severe illness. Individuals over 60 or those with compromised immune systems face a greater risk of severe disease.
NOMTRCB routinely traps and tests adult mosquito samples to keep a pulse on the spread of the arbovirus. With ongoing detection of the virus, the board is stressing the importance for residents to employ preventative measures against mosquitoes. Reaching for EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients like DEET, avoiding peak mosquito hours, and outfitting oneself and homes with proper protective barriers are among the strategies outlined by the board for personal safety. Ensuring elimination of standing water around property can also derail the mosquito reproduction cycle.
To further push the message on the nationwide concern for West Nile, residents are guided to visit the CDC website for deep dives into the virus. The local agency strong arms the charge in mosquito control but hinges on public participation. Reporting mosquito issues can be done through various channels which include calling 311, filling a service request online, and directly emailing or contacting NOMTRCB.
