Louisiana has seen 14 West Nile cases this year- including one in Bossier Parish. Of those residents eight didn't know they had it, three reported flu-like symptoms, and three had the most severe reaction which includes brain swelling.

When West Nile is detected close to home, Caddo Parish Mosquito Control ups the ante.

"We have to spray more," said Mosquito Control's Bryan Glasscock. "We also collect more mosquitos to be tested so it really ramps up our operations."

The mosquito population is booming due in part to recent rainfall and a warmer than average summer.

The majority of people who contract West Nile never know it and actually build up immunity. About 20% find themselves with flu-like symptoms. Very few people- less than 1-percent.- end up in the life-threatening category.

"It's not that we want to get anybody nervous or all riled up about it, but it is something where we tell you 'OK it's that time of the year again,'" said Dr. Martha Whyte with Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Residents can protect themselves against West Nile virus with some easy steps: check around your house for standing water, clean out rain gutters, wear long sleeves, and use insect repellant.