Chicken blood sample tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ama and Taft

Using Deet, removing standing water recommended to avoid mosquito bites

The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed a sentinel chicken flock blood sample collected on Aug. 26 in Ama and July 29 in Taft as positive for West Nile Virus.

Mosquito Control Services personnel have increased spraying and other abatement measures in the area.

All residents are urged to avoid mosquito bites by avoiding being outside at dawn and dusk, wearing pants and long sleeves and using insect repellant containing Deet.

Residents also are encouraged to eradicate mosquito breeding sites by removing or dumping standing water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people (70 to 80 percent) who get West Nile virus do not develop symptoms.

About one in five people infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the CDC. Most people with this type of virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for several weeks or months.

 

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