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Flu/Virus
1. Are there long-term consequences of getting West Nile Virus?
2. How can I get West Nile encephalitis?
3. How can I protect myself from West Nile Virus?
4. How can I reduce the number of mosquitoes around my home and neighborhood?
5. How Do I Dispose of a Dead Bird?
6. Is there treatment or a vaccine for West Nile Virus?
7. What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
8. What is an Arboviral Encephalitis?
9. What is West Nile encephalitis?
10. What is West Nile virus?
11. Where do I call/go if I need more information about West Nile Virus?
12. Where do mosquitoes breed?
13. Who is most at risk for catching West Nile Encephalitis?

Flu/Virus
 Are there long-term consequences of getting West Nile Virus? Back to Top
While most infections are usually mild, West Nile Encephalitis can result in death or serious brain damage. Some improvements may be seen after some time.
 How can I get West Nile encephalitis?  Back to Top
The principle route of human infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito. 

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.

 How can I protect myself from West Nile Virus? Back to Top
It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise.
However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing standing water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

If West Nile virus is found in your area:
  • 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.
Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.
 How can I reduce the number of mosquitoes around my home and neighborhood? Back to Top
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a small bucket that has stagnant water in it for seven days can become home to up to 1,000 mosquitoes. Here are some easy tips to eliminate standing water:
  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.
 How Do I Dispose of a Dead Bird? Back to Top

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. 

DEAD BIRD REPORTING

 

OPH and DHH no longer test dead birds submitted by the public.

 

At one time dead bird reporting was a valuable component of West Nile virus surveillance in the state.  However, biologists and health officials are now aware of the persistent presence of the disease throughout the region.  In general, dead bird reporting is no longer considered a useful means of predicting human cases.  Other more effective methods of monitoring the presence of the virus are available to scientists and mosquito control officials, such as monitoring the presence of the virus in mosquitoes themselves. 

 

Avian Influenza and other bird diseases:

Agricultural, wildlife and health officials are presently monitoring death and disease in wild fowl and poultry.  Concern for movement of new diseases, such as avian influenza, into our area is presently being addressed by officials in several state and federal agencies.

 

Please see the following guidelines for public reporting of death in birds.  Guidelines are provided for general categories of birds. 

 

Please observe safe-handling guidelines (provided at the end of this section*) when disposing of or collecting dead birds!

 

REPORTING DEATHS IN WILD BIRDS

(songbirds, blue jays, crows, grackles, pigeons, doves, waterfowl, etc.)

 

Death of individual birds:  If the bird is a blue jay, sparrow, cardinal, crow, or bird of prey (owl, eagle, falcon, kite), call your local mosquito agency (check our website for a listing).  If the bird is not one of the species mentioned above, or if mosquito control is not available in your community, there is no need to report.  Please dispose of the bird in the safe manner described at the end of the document. 

 

Death of numerous birds in one location:  Again if the type of bird involved includes blue jays, sparrows, cardinals, crows, or birds of prey and if a local mosquito control agency is available, please report to your local mosquito control agency.  If a local mosquito control agency is not available, or if blue jays, sparrows, cardinals, crows, or birds of prey are not involved, do not report to your local mosquito control agency. 

 

Large numbers of dead waterfowl in one location can be reported to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (225-765-2800).  Large numbers of dead songbirds, pigeons, or doves can be reported to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health Services (225-925-3962) and the United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services (225-389-0229). Diagnostic services will be available only if the above agencies determine that testing is indicated.

 

REPORTING DEATHS IN POULTRY (chickens, turkeys, etc.)

 

Death of individual birds:  Owners of poultry flocks should NOT report individual bird deaths to any public entity.  Consultation with a local veterinarian is recommended.  Diagnostic services (fee for service) are available through the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (225-578-9777).

 

Sudden onset of multiple deaths in poultry:  Owners of poultry flocks experiencing higher then normal levels of mortality are again advised to consult a local veterinarian.  Any veterinarian with a high degree of suspicion for avian influenza, Newcastle disease, or other diseases of agricultural or public health importance is advised to report the suspected disease to the Office of Animal Health Services, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (225-925-3962).

 

REPORTING DEATHS IN PET BIRDS

(parrots, parakeets, canaries, etc.)

 

Individual and multiple bird deaths:  Consultation with a local veterinarian is recommended.  DO NOT REPORT TO PUBLIC AGENCIES.  Any veterinarian with a high degree of suspicion for psittacosis (Chlamydophila psittaci) or other diseases of agricultural or public health importance is advised to report the suspected disease to the Office of Animal Health Services, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (225-925-3962).

 

SAFE HANDLING GUIDELINES

 

Members of the public should not handle wild animal carcasses unless it is essential to do so. If you must handle dead wild birds, follow the guidance below on safe handling.  

 

Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. To minimize the risk of infection, it is important to take simple hygienic precautions when handling the dead birds or any contaminated material.

 

1. Wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling the carcass.

 

2. Place the carcass in a suitable leak proof plastic bag. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of this bag.

 

3. Seal the bag and place it in a second plastic bag.

 

4. Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag or in a separate plastic bag that should be sealed.

 

5. The second plastic bag should be sealed and remain sealed, without any leakage, for disposal or shipping.

 

6. If shipping the carcass to a laboratory, wash the outside of the second plastic bag with soap and water or disinfectant.

 

7. If gloves are not available, a bag can be turned inside out and used as a makeshift glove. When the dead bird has been picked up, the bag can be reverted and sealed. This should then be placed in a second plastic bag, which should be sealed and washed (as above).

 

8. Wash your hands, nails and forearms thoroughly with soap and water after handling the carcass.  Do not handle any food until this has been done.

 

Keep children away from dead bird carcasses.

 
 Is there treatment or a vaccine for West Nile Virus? Back to Top

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.
 What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus? Back to Top
People with mild infections may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands, this is called West Nile Fever. People with more severe infections may experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions and paralysis, this is called West Nile Encephalitis. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
 What is an Arboviral Encephalitis? Back to Top
An Arboviral Encephalitis is an infectious disease that affects the brain. The disease is caused by a virus which attacks the brain, destroys some nerve cells and causes brain inflammation and swelling. Encephalitis arboviruses belong to several families of viruses that usually infect birds and are transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. The name "ar-bo-virus" comes from the fact that they are transmitted by arthopods (insects and other "bugs").
 What is West Nile encephalitis? Back to Top
West Nile encephalitis (WNE) is caused by West Nile virus (WNV), a flavivirus previously only found in Africa, Eastern Europe and West Asia. WNV is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) which is found in the United States and to the Japanese Encephalitis virus in South East Asia, the Murray Valley fever virus in Australia and New Guinea.

The majority of the people who get infected with the virus have no illness or at most, have an infection similar to a mild flu with fever, headache and fatigue. Rarely, will the virus multiply in the central nervous system and cause the brain disease called encephalitis.
 What is West Nile virus? Back to Top
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, or a brain infection. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people.

Mosquitoes spread this virus after they feed on infected birds and then bite people, other birds and animals. It is not spread by person-to-person contact and there is no evidence that people can get the virus by handling infected animals

Surveillance for WNV was initiated in Louisiana in the Spring of 2000 and currently involves the reporting and testing of dead birds and the testing of sick horses, mosquito pools and sentinel chicken flocks.

Louisiana has four kinds of Encephalitis: West Nile Encephalitis, Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and LaCrosse-California Encephalitis.

West Nile virus cases occur primarily in the late summer or early Fall, although the mosquito season is April through October.
 Where do I call/go if I need more information about West Nile Virus? Back to Top
You can call the Office of Public Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology at (504) 219-4563 and speak to an epidemiologist on call.  He or she will be able to answer general questions about the virus, but will NOT be able to make a medical diagnosis.  You can also contact your physician or local Parish Health Unit.  Your physician is the best person with whom to discuss your health and decide if a test is necessary.
 Where do mosquitoes breed? Back to Top
There are about 60 different species of mosquitoes in Louisiana. While most do not transmit West Nile virus, several mosquito species have been found to transmit the virus.

Some mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around the home. Weeds, tall grass, shrubbery and discarded tires also provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes. By eliminating places for mosquitoes to breed, we can go a long way to prevent West Nile virus.
 Who is most at risk for catching West Nile Encephalitis? Back to Top
People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of developing a severe illness because as we age, our bodies have a harder time fighting off disease. People with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk. However, anyone can get the virus.


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