First West Nile Virus Case of 2025 Confirmed in Louisiana

(KNGT-FM) - Louisiana just confirmed its first case of West Nile virus in 2025, and it comes as mosquito season starts to heat up. If you thought it couldn’t happen near you, think again. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family before it spreads even more.

WHAT IS THE WEST NILE VIRUS?

West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes. Most people who get it don’t feel sick at all, but some develop flu-like symptoms like fever, headaches, and body aches. In rare cases, it can lead to serious problems with the brain and nervous system. The virus is most dangerous for older adults or people with weak immune systems.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST MOSQUITOES?

• Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellent outdoors and always follow label instructions.
• Apply repellent on exposed skin only. Do not apply under clothing or on broken skin.
• Carry a travel-size repellent if you will be outdoors for an extended period.
• Apply sunscreen first, insect repellent second, if you are also wearing sunscreen.
• Make sure windows are tight-fitting and screens are free of holes to keep mosquitoes out.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM MOSQUITOES?

• Eliminate standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, and anything that can collect standing water.
• Quickly discard or store any containers around your home to avoid accumulating water. Drill holes in standing containers to drain water quickly.
• Clean roof gutters routinely. Clogged gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes annually.
• Take steps to prevent water gardens and ornamental pools from stagnating (and becoming major mosquito producers), such as adding fish or aeration.
• Clean bird baths weekly, as changing the water keeps it from stagnating and becoming a breeding area for mosquitoes.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, especially if they go unused. Be aware that mosquitoes also breed in water accumulated on pool covers.
  Install or repair window screens.

WEST NILE VIRUS CASE CONFIRMED IN LIVINGSTON PARISH, LOUISIANA

In 2024, Louisiana had 57 confirmed cases of West Nile virus and 3 deaths. So far in 2025, mosquito testing has already shown signs of West Nile in 14 parishes, meaning the virus is active and spreading.

On Wednesday, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year. The person lives in Livingston Parish and was hospitalized with symptoms of the virus.