Acadian Ambulance urges Louisiana residents to take precaution to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites and slow the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses during these summer months.
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed the first cases of West Nile virus for 2025 as of July 2 in 16 parishes: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, St. Mary, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa parishes.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While most people experience no symptoms, the virus can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
LDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following tips: Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent outdoors and always follow label instructions.
Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Carry a travel-size repellent if you will be outdoors for an extended period.
Apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Spray clothes and gear with permethrin or buy items that are already treated for extra protection.
Protect infants and small children by covering strollers with netting and avoid using repellent on babies under 2 months old.
Remove standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
Check for holes in window and door screens and repair them to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, and anything that can collect standing water.
Discard or store any containers around your home to avoid accumulating water.
Clean roof gutters regularly; 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 and chlorinate swimming pools, especially if they go unused. Mosquitoes can also breed in water accumulated on pool covers
