By Melissa Davenport

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Buzzing with concern, the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed that mosquitoes in parts of St. Charles Parish are more than just pesky—they’re carriers of West Nile Encephalitis (WNV). Specifically, samples from Killona (Zone 304) and South Ormond (Zone 318) tested positive on Monday, as reported by St. Charles Parish website.

In response, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has been tapped to ramp up efforts to keep local residents safe. These measures have included inspecting the immediate area, enhancing surveillance, and strategically planning to spray the affected locales. Spraying occurred over the course of three evenings—September 19, 20, and 21—using truck-mounted sprayers, conditions permitting. The VDCI team intends to sustain elevated mosquito abatement operations until those troublesome insect numbers dip below the thresholds of concern.

West Nile Encephalitis is no small matter, and local citizens are being urged to take personal measures to avoid mosquito bites. Recommended actions include staying indoors during the prime mosquito activity windows of dawn and dusk, wearing protective clothing such as pants and long-sleeved shirts, and applying bug repellent containing DEET. Additionally, public health officials emphasize the importance of minimizing mosquito breeding grounds by dumping any standing water near residences.

While the VDCI does their part, the community has a role to play too. These measures are simple yet effective.