Lafayette Parish Officials Concerned About West Nile Threat

I Recently reported about several things that attract mosquitoes. It's particularly important to protect yourself from those pests this summer.  Recent surveillance data from Lafayette Parish indicates an outbreak of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus.
Recent test results obtained from dead birds, sentinel chickens and mosquito pools indicate a high level of the Virus.
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Lafayette Parish has requested that Mosquito Control Contractors, Inc. intensify sampling and preventative spraying to reduce the threat of West Nile Virus spreading to the human population of the Parish. They will be spraying mornings and evenings seven days a week. Aerial spraying will be utilized only if deemed necessary.

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Officials in Lafayette Parish recommend community members observe the 5 “D's”:

#1 DRAIN: Eliminate all standing water. Mosquitoes can breed in a bottle cap . Dump out all standing water in containers, toys, tarps, boats, etc.
#2 Use DEET: Use mosquito repellant containing DEET, and follow package directions.
#3 DUSK is a Peak period of activity. Try to remain indoors.
#4 DAWN is a Peak period of activity. Try to remain indoors.
#5 DRESS: Wear loose, light colored clothing. Long sleeves and long pants offer increased protection when you can't  avoid being outdoors where mosquitoes are present.

The Mosquito Control Hotline at (337) 593-0123 is monitored seven days a week.
West Nile is a very serious, sometimes fatal disease. The elderly and the very young are particularly susceptible.