Isaac May Spark Swarms of Mosquitoes

After Hurricane Isaac left a lot of water behind, south Louisiana residents may be dealing with swarms of mosquitoes.

And with Louisiana experiencing the highest rate of West Nile virus infections in several years, state officials are warning residents to take precautions against mosquitoes.

The Courier reports that at least 145 West Nile cases and nine deaths reported in Louisiana from the disease.

“Everyone needs to be mindful that we are all still at risk of contracting West Nile virus,” said state Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein. “This has been the most active West Nile virus season Louisiana has experienced since 2006, so it’s critical that everyone takes the necessary precautions, particularly as residents return to their homes and begin clean-up efforts.”

West Nile is a rare but serious disease carried by mosquitoes. Many people never realize they are infected, but in its most serious form, the disease can cause brain swelling and death.

Rain and flooding spawned by hurricanes can cause huge mosquito hatchings, said Jessie Boudreaux, owner of Cajun Mosquito Control, Terrebonne Parish’s mosquito control contractor.

The major hatching will likely occur in about a week, Boudreaux said.

Mosquito control workers will be out in the field collecting mosquito samples to determine whether stepped up spraying is necessary to combat the invasion, Boudreaux said.