In 2002, additional routes have become apparent, however this represents a very small proportion of cases.  These routes include receiving transplanted organs and blood transfusions, transplacental and possibly breastfeeding transmission, and laboratory workers working with WN-infected products.

• When outdoors, wear a mosquito repellent containing 20 -30% DEET for adults and no more than 10% for children. Do not use repellent containing DEET on children under 3 years of age. Follow the label's instructions carefully, especially when applying to children. Wash all skin and clothing when returning indoors to remove insect repellent. Do not spray repellant in enclosed areas.
• Only adults should apply repellent on a child.
• Spray repellent on your hands and then apply to your face.
• Only apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Do not use repellent under clothing.
• Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
• Do not apply repellent over cuts, wounds, sunburn or irritated skin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
• Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.

1. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
2. Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property.
3. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left out of doors. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
4. Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
5. Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis.
6. Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes.
7. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
8. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.

Surveillance for WNV was initiated in Louisiana in the Spring 2000 and currently involves the testing of dead birds, live birds, sick horses, mosquito pools and sentinel chicken flocks.  With the exception of horse testing, WNV testing is performed at the request of individual mosquito abatement districts throughout the state. WNV is considered endemic or native to all parts of Louisiana, thus statewide dead bird reporting has been suspended.  Dead bird testing is now understood to be a poor predictor of human cases and its value is limited unless part of a more comprehensive mosquito surveillance program, as is conducted by local or parish mosquito abatement districts. 

• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
• Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.
• Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection, nor a vaccine. While most people fully recover from the viral infection, in some severe cases hospitalization may be needed. However, there is a very effective vaccine against WNV in horses. Horse owners should consult their veterinarians for vaccine information.

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

For children younger than 5 years of age, note that the risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old.

• People hospitalized with suspected or confirmed influenza
• People with suspected or confirmed influenza who are at higher risk for complications
• Children younger than 5 years old (children under 2 years old are at higher risk for complications than older children)
• Adults 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• People with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions
• People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

Physicians may also decide not to treat some people in these groups and/or treat people who are not in these groups based on their clinical judgment.