West Nile in Lafayette - Acadiana's Multi-Media News Station

Reports of another man here in Lafayette diagnosed with the West Nile Virus. Right now, an elderly man is recovering after being infected last month. His case is the first for Lafayette. Now, tonight another reported infection.

62 year-old Russell Richard of Lafayette usually is tending to the business he owns.

However, three weeks ago he decided to visit his camp in Acadia Parish.

"We stayed there for 4-5 days and when I left there I was running fever.  That's where I think I caught it," says Richard.

The symptoms were similar to the flu: high fever, nausea and weight loss.

At an emergency room, Richard was told he had a cold virus.

"And, they told me there's no cure for it.  I just have to let it take its course"

Richard says the state has not listed his case as a confirmed.  To our understanding the Department of Health Hospital has been notified;  if need be they will conduct their own investigation.

Mosquito control expert Glenn Stokes conducts mosquito surveillance for Lafayette, St. Mary, and Acadia parishes.

He was notified of Richard's situation.

"There's going to be a real question as to where it was contracted, in Acadia Parish where most of the mosquito bites happened or was it a mosquito that bit him at home."

Regardless, Richard says he's doing well.

"If you start running fever, get to the doctor's and let them know you were bit," explains Richard.