Isaac may spark swarms of mosquitoes

South Louisiana residents may be dealing with swarms of mosquitoes due to the huge amounts of water left behind in the wake of Hurricane Isaac. And with Louisiana experiencing the highest rate of West Nile virus infections in several years, state officials are warning residents to take precautions against mosquitoes. Rain and flooding spawned by hurricanes can cause huge mosquito hatchings, says Jessie Boudreaux, owner of Cajun Mosquito Control, Terrebonne Parish’s mosquito control contractor. The major hatching will likely occur in about a week, he says. “Everyone needs to be mindful that we are all still at risk of contracting West Nile virus,” says state Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein. “This has been the most active West Nile virus season Louisiana has experienced since 2006, so it’s critical that everyone takes the necessary precautions, particularly as residents return to their homes and begin cleanup efforts.” West Nile is a rare but serious disease carried by mosquitoes. Many people bit by such mosquitoes never realize they are infected, but in its most serious form the disease can cause brain swelling and death.