3 days ago
New Orleans has a secret tool to fight mosquito outbreaks
New Orleans is giving away mosquito-eating fish to residents as the city sees a spike in West Nile activity, including its first human case of the year.
Why it matters: Officials say this summer's mosquito season has been particularly active.
The big picture: The tiny fish, called Gambusia affinis, eat mosquito larvae and pupae in pools, ponds and other standing water, according to the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board.
The agency put them in abandoned pools after Hurricane Katrina and has since incorporated the fish into its regular mosquito-fighting strategy.
The fish already live here, so they aren't invasive, entomologist Alex Pavlakis says. Residents can request free fish via 504-658-2400 or [email protected].
St. Tammany Parish also uses the fish to fight mosquitoes, according to the Pulitzer Center.
Zoom out: New Orleans has had more West Nile activity this summer than in previous years, according to agency director Claudia Riegel.
Infected mosquitoes have been found on the east and west banks, but last week was the first human case of the year.
The patient has the neuroinvasive form of the disease, according to authorities.
Most human West Nile infections are asymptomatic, Riegel says, but common symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.
