Caddo Parish Man Is First Fatal Victim Of West Nile Virius In State

Louisiana health officials say a man from Caddo Parish has died from the West Nile Virus. The department of health and hospitals is not providing many details about the victim, citing confidentiality rules, but they can say the individual was between 60 and 74 years.

State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says this is a reminder West Nile can be fatal. "Usually when the virus attacks the brain, 10% of the people die from it," Ratard said. This is the first fatality of the year from West Nile Virus. Ratard says they've only recorded nine total cases this year, but the season is just starting.  "We expect cases to last until November, maybe early December."

Ratard  advised to take precautions to keep mosquitoes out of your house, out of your yard and off your skin. "So you either protect your skin with long pants and long sleeves or you wear mosquito repellent."

{Louisiana Radio Network}