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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