Ouachita Parish LA — May 7, 2026 — The Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District (OP MAD) has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in local adult mosquito populations.
The virus was detected through the District's routine surveillance and testing program. While WNV is endemic to Louisiana, this detection serves as a critical reminder for residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families.
Surveillance teams have identified multiple positive mosquito pools, which indicates that the virus is actively circulating in the environment. To reduce the risk of human infection, OP MAD will continue to make targeted adulticide applications tonight. We urge the community to support these efforts by eliminating breeding sites on their own property.
The positive mosquito pools were identified in the following locations:
• Between West Monroe High School and First West Baptist Church
• Near Smith Street in Bawcomville
• Near Martin Street and Hwy 34
• Near Howard Brown Rd and Hwy 34
• Between Hwy 165 and Ferrand
• Near the intersection of I-20 and Orange Street
The best way to protect yourself from infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home. The following are preventative measures as outlined by the Center for Disease Control:
• Apply insect repellant to exposed skin and thin fabric. Repellents do not kill mosquitoes, but they will help to deter them. A 10% DEET repellent will typically last 90 minutes while a 30% product will last 5-6 hours. DEET-based repellants can be applied to all family members over the age of 2 months with up to 30% concentration. Other repellants recommended by the CDC include Picaridin (which can also be applied to infants 2 months or older) and oil of lemon-eucalyptus. The oil of lemon-eucalyptus CANNOT be used on children younger than 3 years of age.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants and avoid peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn) if possible.
• Help control the mosquito populations around your home by emptying any standing water. Make sure to thoroughly rinse any bird baths or pet water bowls every 3-5 days during the hot summer months.
• The use of fans can help keep mosquitoes away as they are not strong flyers.
• If you see the mosquito truck coming down the road, go inside to allow for the adulticide application to be made. After 20-30 minutes, you may return outside.