Covington’s wooded neighborhoods, drainage ditches, ponds, bayous, shaded yards, and frequent warm-weather rain can create ideal mosquito conditions. Louisiana has had active West Nile virus transmission since the virus was first detected in the state in 2002, and the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the state’s first human case of the 2026 mosquito season in July 2026.
West Nile virus spreads mainly through infected mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds, then transmit the virus to people or animals during later bites. The disease does not typically spread through casual contact with an infected person or pet. People, dogs, cats, and horses can all be exposed by mosquito bites, but they do not usually pass the virus back to mosquitoes in a way that continues the cycle.
In Covington, mosquito risk can increase around standing water in buckets, birdbaths, clogged gutters, low-lying areas, outdoor toys, plant saucers, and poorly draining landscape features. St. Tammany Parish mosquito control efforts help monitor and manage risk, but homeowners also play a role because many breeding sites are located on private property.
Most West Nile virus infections in people cause no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can resemble a summer flu, with fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Serious cases can affect the brain, spinal cord, or surrounding tissues, leading to encephalitis, meningitis, muscle weakness, confusion, tremors, paralysis, coma, or death.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for West Nile virus disease in people. Mild illness is generally treated with supportive care, while severe illness may require hospitalization, IV fluids, respiratory support, pain management, and monitoring for complications.
Dogs and cats can be infected by mosquito bites, but Louisiana health officials note that pets rarely get sick or show symptoms. Horses are more likely to develop serious illness, so horse owners should speak with their veterinarian about prevention and vaccination.
Because Covington’s mosquito season can be long, residents should take symptoms seriously after mosquito exposure and reduce standing water around homes, rental properties, barns, and businesses.
