The massive flooding in south Louisiana now poses an increased risk for West Nile. That’s according to the State Medical Director for the Center of Community Preparedness, Dr. Frank Welch, who says in the short-term, flooding washes away mosquitoes and their larvae, but floods leave standing water, which allows mosquitoes to breed and the population to grow quickly:
cut 4 (10) “those systems”
Welch says they are going to be very vigilant and focus on mosquito control over the next few weeks.

The State Archives Office is offering advice for salvaging documents or photographs that were damaged in the flood. Archivist Doug Harrison specializes in preservation. He says the best thing people can do is separate the documents into the smallest possible stacks so they can dry:
cut 14 (08) “a bit”
Harrison says pictures need to be air dried as soon as possible.

It’s reported the death toll from the recent storms and flooding in south Louisiana has risen to 13. The state registrar for vital records says an elderly woman in Livingston Parish was confirmed Wednesday as the latest death.

Residents in Jefferson Davis parish are simultaneously recovering from a historic flood and preparing for more water to come. Chief Deputy Chris Ivey with the Sheriff’s Office says the water is receding in many areas of the parish, and people are moving back into their neighborhoods as they can…:
Cut 10 (09) “over them”
Conditions are looking a little better farther east down the I-10 corridor. Lafayette OEP Director Craig Stansbury says over 5-thousand homes were damaged in the flood, and many people are still in shelters…:
cut 12 (06) “or not”
He says they will be assisting FEMA with setting up a location and whatever else the residents need going forward.