West Nile virus, carried by certain breeds of mosquitoes, is a scary thought to many in south Louisiana, and appears to be closing in on the River Parishes.

Now, though, is no time to panic. Now is the time to take positive action to prevent the deadly virus from establishing a beachhead in the region.

Clear any standing water in your yards. Don’t wait for the parish to clean your ditch – do it now. Check on elderly parents and make sure your children wear mosquito repellant.

Get in touch with band camp directors and football coaches and find out what they are doing to safeguard their students. As school begins, make sure children in after-school activities are not vulnerable to mosquitos.

Stay on your council members about keeping in touch with mosquito control contractors and keep them responsive to the communities they serve.

They may be tiny insects, but they carry a deadly threat, and by the time you’ve noticed them, it’s too late. They’ve already struck.

Use your brain, and stop this threat.

L’Observateur