ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 30
BY REPRESENTATIVE WHEAT
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To recognize April 2021 as West Nile Virus Awareness Month in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, during the late spring, warmer temperatures combined with rainy
weather create ideal conditions for mosquitos to breed, increasing the potential for the spread
of West Nile virus; and
WHEREAS, West Nile virus first appeared in the United States in 1999, and West
Nile cases have since been reported in every state other than Alaska and Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, mosquitos, the principal transmitters of the virus, are most active during
the warmer months of the year, but they can be present year-round in some parts of
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, although a majority of people show no symptoms of West Nile virus,
approximately twenty percent develop mild illness, and fewer than one percent develop a
severe neurological infection that may lead to inflammation of the brain or membranes
surrounding the brain or spinal cord; and
WHEREAS, neurological infections are associated with symptoms such as high
fever, severe headache, confusion or disorientation, seizures, coma, partial paralysis, and
vision loss, and some neurological complications can linger on for months or even be
permanent; and
WHEREAS, in rare cases, West Nile disease can be life-threatening; and
WHEREAS, there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus;
and
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WHEREAS, the best means of preventing West Nile disease is to reduce exposure
to mosquitos by removing standing water, using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved
shirts and long pants when outdoors, and limiting outside activity during dawn, dusk, and
early evening, when the insects are most active; and
WHEREAS, with the approach of warmer weather, Louisianians are advised to take
precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from West Nile virus, and recognizing
April as West Nile Virus Awareness Month can help educate the public about this
preventable disease.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize April 2021 as West Nile Virus Awareness Month in Louisiana, and hereby
encourages Louisianians to learn more about ways to stop the spread of West Nile virus.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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