Plaquemines Parish Government

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has confirmed 12 human cases of West Nile Virus so far this year. The three latest cases come from East Baton Rouge Parish. Health officials characterize West Nile infections three ways: neuroinvasive, West Nile fever and asymptomatic. A neuroinvasive illness is severe and typically results in a swelling of the brain or spinal cord. People with this illness are at risk of brain damage or death. West Nile fever is less severe, with most people only suffering mild, flu-like symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals were never ill and were only discovered to have the West Nile virus in their blood when blood work was done for some other reason, such as blood donation. Of the new cases reported, two were asymptomatic and the other was West Nile fever. So far this year, Louisiana has recorded three cases of the more serious neuroinvasive disease; that’s half of last year’s total for the same time period. For the entire year of 2009, Louisiana had a record low 11 cases of neuroinvasive disease. The state’s highest total of neuroinvasive disease came in 2002 with 204 cases. About 90 percent of all cases are asymptomatic, while about 10 percent will develop West Nile fever. Only a very small number of infected individuals will show the serious symptoms associated with the neuroinvasive disease. Residents who are 65 years old and older are at higher risk for complications, but everyone is at risk for infection. West Nile Virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites. DHH encourages residents to take precautions to protect themselves.
To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, residents can take the following precautions:

• If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing 20 - 30 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children.

• Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.

• To apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.

• Adults should always apply repellent to children.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.

• Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.

• Make sure that your house has tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.
Residents can also help control the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around their home, which is where mosquitoes breed. Louisianians are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools or buckets that could collect water.

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.

• Clean clogged roof gutters yearly. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, click here.

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Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo 2010

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NOAA scientists released a data report on air quality measurements taken in June in the vicinity of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill area.
Click the following link to view report.

NOAA Releases Data Report on Air Quality Measurements

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Click On The Following Links To View Budget

Plaquemines Parish Government 5-Year Capital Improvements Budget

Plaquemines Parish Government Expenditures-Department Summary

Plaquemines Parish Government Revenues-Summary

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Unfortunately, disaster is often followed by an influx of unscrupulous people who wish to take advantage of the victims of the tragedy, and the BP oil spill is no exception. It has come to the attention of the Plaquemines Parish Government that some out of state attorneys, who may or may not be authorized to practice law in Louisiana, are coming into the parish to attempt to “help” the Plaquemines Parish victims of this disaster. Please be extra cautious. It is suggested that before signing any documents with these out of state lawyers, you consult with someone you know and trust to understand what you are signing. Make sure you are not getting involved in a “hit and run” relationship with someone who may not even be a lawyer authorized to practice in this state.

Notices

Comic Strip

Special thanks to Daniel Pearlmutter of St. Louis, MO, who is a great supporter to Plaquemines Parish.

"Unbridled Greed!"
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"BP Hidden Treasures"
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"Time's Up!!!"
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"Mission Accomplished???"

Editorial Cartoonist - Daniel Pearlmutter