The West Nile Virus is now in most states in the USA. At one time it was a big issue in Louisiana but now it seems most cases are reported outside Louisiana. In the past year Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Montana, Texas all have had more reported cases then Louisiana.

Even if the mosquito is infected with the West Nile Virus, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.

West Nile encephalitis is NOT transmitted from person-to-person.

If a person contracts West Nile virus it is assumed that immunity will be lifelong; however, it may wane in later years.

Precautions may include wearing long sleeve shirts, pants, and mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes enjoy flying in the late evening. Louisiana residents have been aggresively fighting this diesase with public awareness and destruction of the mosquito.

For more info visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.