Latest news with #ClaudiaRiegel
Axios
4 days ago
- Health
- Axios
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.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
West Nile Virus detected in New Orleans mosquitoes, city expands control measures
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The city of New Orleans has detected West Nile virus in mosquito populations across multiple neighborhoods, prompting an increase in spraying and public health outreach as mosquito season hits its peak. No human cases have been reported so far, but officials say the presence of the virus in local mosquito traps is a clear warning sign. 'We are collecting mosquitoes every Monday and Tuesday,' said Claudia Riegel, Director of the City's Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board. 'We're monitoring which species are present and whether they're carrying any viruses that could impact our residents or even their pets.' City of New Orleans, Orleans Parish School Board back in court involving $90M negotiation In response, mosquito control crews are actively treating neighborhoods by both truck and helicopter, using a combination of larvicide and adulticide to disrupt breeding and reduce adult mosquito populations. The city currently maintains 89 trap locations, where mosquito samples are tested weekly for West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and St. Louis Encephalitis. Officials stress that even small amounts of standing water, inside trash bins, tires, clogged gutters or yard debris can serve as mosquito breeding grounds. 'We want to make sure that when people put debris out, they bag it tightly so no water collects inside,' said Matt Torri with the city's Department of Sanitation. Health officials also caution that while most people infected with West Nile won't experience symptoms, a small percentage can become seriously ill. 'Roughly four out of five people will have no symptoms at all,' said Meredith McInturff with the New Orleans Health Department. 'But for the unlucky one in five, symptoms can include fever, fatigue and respiratory issues that last for several days or even weeks.' The city recommends using EPA and CDC approved mosquito repellents, emptying containers that hold water and keeping yards clear of debris. Residents can report mosquito problems or request tire pickup and additional trash bins by calling mother suspects foul play in daughter's Riverwalk death West Nile Virus detected in New Orleans mosquitoes, city expands control measures Two killed in Jefferson Parish car crash Hardline House conservatives swing for fences in asks to Senate GOP on megabill Start times for Men's College World Series revealed Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
