West Nile Virus

Surveillance for West Nile Virus (WNV) was initiated in Louisiana in the Spring 2000 and currently involves the testing of sick horses and mosquito pools. With the exception of horse testing, WNV testing is performed at the request of individual mosquito abatement districts throughout the state. 

• Louisiana has four kinds of Encephalitis - West Nile, Saint Louis, Eastern Equine, and California. To learn more, view the Annual Encephalitis Reports.
• For more on West Nile Virus, view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

WNV Surveillance Reports

West Nile Virus Arbovirus Reports can be found in LDH Resources.

Dead Birds

WNV is considered endemic, or native, to all parts of Louisiana. Dead bird testing is a poor predictor of human cases statewide, thus statewide dead bird reporting has been discontinued. Its value is limited unless part of a more comprehensive mosquito surveillance program, such as conducted by local or parish mosquito abatement districts.

• Safe Handling Guidelines for Dead Birds

Related Information from CDC Sources:

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• About West Nile Virus
• Protecting Outdoor Workers from West Nile Virus
• West Nile Virus and Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
• West Nile Virus and Blood Transfusions
• Preventing Mosquito Bites
• Fight the Bite
• Español Prevención y Control

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Our Partners:

• American Mosquito Control Association
• Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
• Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• Louisiana Mosquito Control Association 
• LSU Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL)
• Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
• Office of Public Health Laboratory
• Office of Public Health Sanitarian Services

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For more information, contact Sean Simonson sean.simonson@la.gov via email or at (504) 568-8342.

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