Believers take on ‘Bug Busters’ role in the Katrina zone.

By May 5, 2006

USA (MNN)–Stagnant pools of water in New Orleans’ Hurricane Katrina zone are giving way to a large crop of mosquitoes.

With the threat of an outbreak of mosquito-born diseases, like West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis, there’s concern for the residents who are trickling back into the region. State records show human cases of West Nile virus usually occur in the beginning of June.

Operation Blessing is helping. They’re planting small, mosquito-eating fish, called Gambusia affinis, or ‘western mosquito fish’ in contaminated pools.

OBI’s President Bill Horan says most of the residents will be coming back to gutted homes, torn screens, FEMA trailers…all places where they are exposed to the hordes of mosquitos.

OBI has purchased more than 15,000 fish and has volunteers to distribute them. Teams often work hand-in-hand with local churches in an effort to be the hands and feet of Christ to a region in need.

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