First human case of West Nile virus reported in Lafayette

Posted: Sep 14, 2012 5:32 PM by Melissa Canone

Medical Entomologist, Glenn Stokes tells KATC an unidentified Lafayette man over the age of 75 was diagnosed late last month with a severe case of the neuro-invasive form of West Nile.

He has since been treated and made a full recovery.

Stokes identifies a so-called "hot spot" for West Nile in Lafayette between the Vermillion River and Johnston Street and Camelia Boulevard to Johnston and Doucet.

That area is considered a hot spot because there are so many trees.

Stokes say crews will heavily spray the area and urges the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves. These include what the Health Department refers to as the "Five Ds:"

-Drain all standing water around the house to eliminate any mosquito-breeding sites. Wheelbarrows, tires, tire swings, toys and jars are among the common household items that can hold enough water for attracting and breeding mosquitoes.

-Dress in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.

-Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET or picaridin while outdoors.

-Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn while mosquitoes are most active.