Football means fall Baton Rouge. But September’s still hot and humid—the perfect weather for mosquitoes to thrive and infect people and pets with disease
For cats and dogs, the greatest threat is heartworm disease, which can be transmitted by mosquitoes. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito. Once spread by the mosquito, these heartworms can grow to be a foot long, and live in the heart, ccngs and associated blood vessels, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs. If left untreated, this disease can be fatal.
While humans rarely contract heartworms, mosquito bites can cause West Nile Virus (WNV). Of all the individuals infected, 90% never develop symptoms while only the remaining 10% experience West Nile fever. Only a very small number of patients show the serious symptoms associated with neuro-invasive disease.
Residents who are at least 65 years old are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection.
“It’s critical for adults and children to wear mosquito repellent at all times while outdoors,” says State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry, M.D. “Whether your children are playing sports, your family is outside grilling or you’re doing yard work, be sure to protect yourself and your family.”
• 61 cases of WNV neuro-invasive disease last year • 20 cases of West Nile virus so far this year • Of this year’s cases, 10 have involved neuro-invasive disease; 2 have resulted in West Nile fever; 8 had no symptoms • 2 cases reported in East Baton Rouge Parish; both were asymptomatic
Protect your family:
If you’re planning to be outside for an extended period of time:
• Avoid perfumes and colognes.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET. Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin. To apply repellent to the face, spray the product on hands and then rub on to the face.
• Adults should always apply repellent to children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends repellents used on children should contain no more than 30% DEET.
Protect your home:
Effective home mosquito-control requires a two-pronged approach—keeping mosquitoes out of the house and preventing them from breeding in standing water outside the home. That requires:
• Making sure your house has tight-fitting windows and doors and all screens are free of holes
• Eliminating standing water around your home, where mosquitoes breed
• Disposing of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property
• Turning over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trashcans, children’s toys or anything that could collect water
• Drilling holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers
• Cleaning roof gutters routinely. Often overlooked, gutters can harbor residual water that can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Aerating ornamental pools or stocking them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they stagnate.
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool left untended for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
Travel precautions
Travelers should also take the same precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes in other countries. Mosquitoes in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe, might carry chikungunya or dengue fever. Check with your physician regarding preventive strategies and recommended vaccinations before traveling.
Creature feature
If your family is ready for the responsibility of a new dog (including heartworm prevention), Yelp!BR has many adorable adoptable canines including:
Koda is a beautiful 3-year-old, male cocker spaniel. One of Koda’s previous owners—probably a child—tied a rubber band around his ear. The injury was so bad it resulted in a partial removal of the ear. But Koda doesn’t let that get him down. He is a sweet, happy-go-lucky boy who is ready for a new forever family.
Socks is a 2.5-year-old, 36-pound German shepherd/lab mix. While he enjoys the company of women and does well with children, he is leery of men at first. However, as trust has been established, he warms up. Socks is one the most loving loyal dogs you could hope to find. He also loves the company of other dogs.
Rabbit is a feisty 1-year-old, male, 15-pound rat terrier/chihuahua mix.
Lucille is a 1-year-old, female bloodhound. She enjoys the company of people and other dogs.
Grey is a 3-year-old, 11-pound terrier mix. He loves to run and play. But, after a good romp, he becomes a cuddly lap dog. Grey is good with children and other dogs.
Polly is an adult Jack Russell/rat terrier mix.
These great dogs have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and heartworm tested.
