WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN ST MARTIN PARISH
Release Oct 19, 2007 -- St. Martin Parish President Guy Cormier and Jessie Boudreaux of Cajun Mosquito Control LLC are advising residents and visitors of St. Martin Parish to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquitoes and remove any standing water around their homes. Live mosquitoes and sentinel chickens have been infected with West Nile Virus recently in St. Martinville, Cecilia, and the Henderson areas. Adulticiding (truck spraying) has been implemented.
June through November is the most active time of the year for West Nile virus. August being the peak month.
When possible, avoid mosquitoes, but if you must be outside
- Wear long sleeve, light colored clothing. Dark colored clothing attracts mosquitoes.
- Use a DEET based mosquito repellant when outdoors. Cover all exposed skin surfaces. Do not wear perfumes or cologne.
- Dawn & Dusk are the times when most mosquitoes are actively seeking a blood meal. Residents and visitors are being advised to avoid going outside during these two times of the day, if you must, wear repellant.
- Remind yourself to remove standing water around your home, camp or business. Empty these sources; birdbaths, plant bowls, unused swimming pools, old tires, clogged rain gutters or any other container that may hold water.