Five New West Nile Cases Confirmed in Louisiana

State health officials confirmed five more cases of West Nile virus in Louisiana this week.  

The Department of Health and Hospitals says that brings this year's total number of cases to 39.  Three of the new cases were neuroinvasive disease.  There was one each in Caldwell, Lafayette, and  Rapides Parishes.  One case of West Nile fever was confirmed in Ouachita Parish and there was one asymptomatic case in Lafayette Parish

West Nile is spread by mosquitoes.  State health officials urge all Louisiana residents to take precautions against mosquitoes when they're outdoors -- especially around dusk.