NEW ORLEANS (AP) – The city of New Orleans says a city resident has a serious case of West Nile virus and a plane will spray part of the city against mosquitoes Tuesday night.
The state health department reported the case this week, saying it involves the patient’s brain or nervous system, according to a statement from the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Red Control Board. Symptoms began to appear in the week of August 13th.
Weather permitting, an insecticide will be used against mosquitoes in the south by the city between 8pm and 11pm on Tuesday.
The virus can be spread if a mosquito bites a person after biting an infected bird.
Most infected people show no symptoms and most cases are similar to the flu. But the disease can cause lasting effects and even death.