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Louisiana has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus of the 2026 mosquito season, and state health officials say that infected mosquitoes have been detected in 13 parishes
The Louisiana Department of Health said the human case was confirmed in Ouachita Parish. No additional information about the patient will be released because of privacy concerns
“Mosquitoes may be a common summertime nuisance, but they’re more than just a pest,” LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein said. “Every year, West Nile virus reminds us that mosquito bites can sometimes lead to serious illness. The good news is that a few simple steps, like using insect repellent and eliminating standing water, can significantly reduce your risk.”
LDH said the virus has been found in mosquito pool samples in 13 Louisiana parishes so far this year, though the department did not identify those parishes in its announcement
Louisiana’s first confirmed case comes during an unusually active start to West Nile season nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed at least 48 human cases across the country as of June 30, including 38 severe cases
Since 2004, an average of about 10 cases had been reported to the CDC by the end of June. Federal health officials described 2026 as the earliest and most active start to West Nile season in more than two decades. The virus had been detected in 23 states, the highest number at that point in the season in 10 years
Louisiana recorded 86 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in 2025, including four deaths
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms
About 20% of infected people develop West Nile fever, which can cause:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Rashes
A small percentage of patients develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a severe illness that affects the central nervous system and can require hospitalization
Symptoms of severe illness can include:
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Disorientation
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Paralysis
- Coma
LDH said severe symptoms can last for weeks and may cause permanent neurological damage or death
People aged 55 and older and those with certain medical conditions face a greater risk of severe illness
Health officials recommend using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent on exposed skin whenever spending time outdoors. Residents should follow the product’s directions and avoid applying repellent under clothing or on broken skin
When using sunscreen and mosquito repellent, apply sunscreen first and repellent second
Residents should also check that doors and windows close tightly and repair any holes in screens
The CDC also recommends wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors and limiting time outside around dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes most likely to carry West Nile virus are generally most active
Mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of standing water. LDH recommends emptying or removing items that collect water, including:
- Buckets
- Flowerpots
- Children’s toys
- Wheelbarrows
- Trash cans
- Plastic pools
- Discarded tires
Residents should clean roof gutters, change bird bath water at least once a week and drain water that collects on swimming pool covers
Swimming pools should remain clean and chlorinated. Ornamental ponds and water gardens should have fish or aeration to keep the water from becoming stagnant
Even small containers can become breeding sites. Health officials warn that an item as small as an overturned bottle cap may hold enough water for mosquitoes to reproduce
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