MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Experts believe the West Nile virus may have run it's course in Ouachita Parish.
The 321 cases of West Nile have everyone trying to "fight the bite," and Ouachita Parish has seen it's share of the virus. Three people have been victim to the neuro-invasive disease, and five others have been diagnosed with West Nile fever.
With multiple cases across the parish, many are asking is it safe to spend time near the Ouachita River. The Mosquito Abatement District says the bugs may still be biting, but you're safer than you think near the river.
"Those mosquitoes are nuisance mosquitoes, they are painful biters, they're very aggressive but they are not the primary vectors of West Nile," says Abatement Director Shannon Rider.
The Department of Health and Hospitals reports cases are increasing in Beauregard, Bossier, East Baton Rouge, Iberia and Pointe Coupee parishes, but mosquito pools in Ouachita are showing a different trend over the last month.
"We've only had one week where we had any positive pool, and there were only two positives that week," says Rider.
With extensive tests, along with the cooler months ahead, the Mosquito Abatement District believes the virus has left our area.
"I feel fairly confident in saying that West Nile has run it's course in Ouachita Parish for this year. However, I will not ever say that someone is one hundred percent safe," Rider says.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-07 23:51:36 GMT
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
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