West Nile Virus found in Ruston and Lincoln Parish

West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitos in Ruston and an adjacent area outside the city limits. 

This is the first outbreak of the current mosquito season, according to Vector Disease Control International, the company that provides mosquito abatement services for Ruston.

A state testing laboratory notified local officials of the discovery late Friday. So far, no cases of illness have been reported.

Ruston Public Works Director John Freeman said the city isn’t sounding an alarm but wants residents to be aware of the situation so they can take recommended precautions.

The positive mosquito pool in Ruston was found on Richardson Street, in the southeastern part of the city, while the positive sample in the parish was found off Cedar Creek Road, just north of the city limits.

The disease-carrying mosquitos were found in standing water around septic leaks in both areas, Kellie Nestrud, program director for the Vector Disease Control International, said Friday evening.

The leaks have been fixed, and the mosquito population has already declined significantly, Nestrud said.

VDCI has increased it surveillance, larviciding and adulticiding in order to reduce the infectious mosquitos. 

“Now we’re just going to keep an eye on it,” Nestrud said.

VDCI will test both locations again this coming week, but they won’t know until Friday if West Nile is still present. That’s because the lab that monitors local viral activity reports only once a week.

West Nile Virus is spread by the Culex species of mosquito. Nestrud said these insects typically don’t fly more than a couple of blocks from where they hatch.

“This is just a good time for everyone to remember they can get sick from mosquitos and mosquitos are out,” she said.

To minimize risk of contracting West Nile Virus, VDCI recommends the following:

- Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and follow the instructions on the lable.

- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

- Remove standing water from your surroundings, such as flower pots, birdbaths, discarded tires, or any other containers that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

- Ensure door and windows have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitos from entering your home.

VDCI provides free mosquito control services, including home inspections, to Ruston residents. Anyone wanting an inspection, or to visit with a VDCI representative, should call 254-2083 and leave their name and phone number.

VDCI will also make visits to residents outside Ruston, but there is a charge.