NOLA The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a second human case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus in New Orleans, with a third presumptive case under investigation. In response, the city will conduct mosquito spraying Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, officials announced.
While most infections are asymptomatic, West Nile can cause serious complications, particularly in older adults, people who are immunocompromised, and those with underlying health conditions. Most infections cause no symptoms.
About 20% of patients develop West Nile fever, a flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rashes. Approximately 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develop neuroinvasive disease, which can cause severe illness or death.