West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples collected by the Iberia Parish Mosquito Control District and a horse in Iberia Parish has been diagnosed with another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
As a result of the detection of the viruses, the Iberia Parish Mosquito Abatement District will be conducting aerial spraying of mosquito breeding grounds in the area
Officials with the mosquito abatement district urge residents to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases by taking precautions inlcuding:
- Removing all sources of standing water near your home or business, including planters, tires, cans, tarps and other containers where mosquitoes breed;
- Wearing mosquito repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eycalyptus;
- Wearing light colored and lightweight clothes with long sleeves and long pants, especially when outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Keeping pools, spas, bird baths, ponds and fountains clean and free of debris.
In addition, horse owners should take steps to limit horses' exposure to mosquitoes by keeping them indoors during peak mosquito activity periods, such as dawn and dusk. Stalls should be screened whenever possible and fans installed over horses to help deter mosquitos.