NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed one human case of West Nile virus in Orleans Parish. Officials said the resident has the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which can cause serious illness.

M ORE: West Nile virus circulating on New Orleans’ east bank; spray missions scheduled Wednesday night

West Nile virus circulates between wild birds and mosquitoes and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

In the New Orleans area, the primary carrier is the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus , which is most active after dark.

Most people infected with West Nile show no symptoms, health officials said. Others may experience headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Severe illness is rare but is m

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