Louisiana’s first human West Nile virus case of the 2026 mosquito season has turned up in Ouachita Parish, state health officials confirmed Friday, underscoring what local mosquito programs say is rising virus activity across parts of northern Louisiana. The patient’s illness was confirmed through laboratory testing and remains under investigation, according to officials.
Per the Louisiana Department of Health, the case involves a resident of Ouachita Parish, and the agency is urging people statewide to take basic steps to cut down on mosquito exposure. LDH is also asking clinicians to keep West Nile on their radar and consider testing patients who show compatible symptoms. Additional information about the case will be released only as allowed under patient-privacy rules.
Local mosquito activity
The Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District has identified multiple West Nile positive mosquito pools and has launched targeted adulticide missions where needed. Local reporting has documented dozens of positive traps in recent weeks, as detailed by KNOE, and the district is asking residents to dump standing water and cooperate with spray operations.
How West Nile affects people and how to protect yourself
Most people who get infected with West Nile virus never notice it. About 20% develop a flu-like illness, and a very small fraction progress to severe neuroinvasive disease. According to the CDC, symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.
The CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents that contain active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The agency advises putting on sunscreen before applying repellent, limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and using air conditioning or fans to help reduce bites.
How to report mosquito problems
City residents can report mosquito problems by calling 3-1-1, emailing [email protected], calling the Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board at (504) 658-2400, or submitting a request through NOLA 311, according to the City of New Orleans. Local boards say they will keep trapping, testing, and carrying out focused spraying in areas where virus activity is detected.
Context
Local outlets note that Louisiana saw a substantial number of West Nile cases last year. WDSU reports the state recorded 86 confirmed human cases and four deaths in 2025. West Nile has been detected in Louisiana since 2002, and the Louisiana Department of Health arbovirus summary details parish-level trends and the mosquito surveillance data behind them.
