Mosquito-Borne Illness in Shreveport

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can also pose health risks. In Shreveport, where warm, humid weather and standing water create a perfect breeding ground, mosquito bites are a common nuisance. But how serious is the threat of illness? In this article, we’ll break down the mosquito-borne diseases found in Louisiana, how mosquitoes spread them, how likely you are to get sick, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Have questions about mosquitoes or pest control in the Greater Shreveport area? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help.

How Likely Are You to Get Sick from a Mosquito Bite?

The good news: Most mosquito bites won’t make you sick. While Louisiana has high mosquito populations, the actual risk of contracting a serious illness from a bite remains relatively low. Here’s why:

• Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so to get the blood needed for reproduction.
• Not every species spreads disease. For example, the Culex mosquito is known to spread West Nile virus, but not malaria.
• Mosquitoes aren’t born carrying disease. A mosquito must bite an infected human or animal first before spreading anything.
• Many diseases cause mild or no symptoms. In fact, about 80% of people infected with the Zika virus show no signs at all. Also, Zika is not endemic to Louisiana—it’s a travel-related disease.

While severe cases are rare, the risk is still real, especially in states like Louisiana with large mosquito populations. That’s why awareness and prevention are key.

A Term to Know: Encephalitis

Encephalitis means swelling of the brain, and it’s a serious complication linked to several mosquito-borne illnesses in our region. If you’ve had a severe headache or body aches after being bitten, it’s worth knowing what to watch for.

There are four types of mosquito-related encephalitis tracked in Louisiana:

• West Nile Virus (WNV)
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
• Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE)
• California Encephalitis

West Nile virus is the most common and concerning in the Shreveport area. Louisiana regularly ranks in the top five states for WNV cases. In 2024, the CDC reported 21 confirmed cases statewide. EEE is rare but more serious. Fewer than three cases are reported every few years. SLE is generally milder but can cause severe symptoms in adults over 40. The last major outbreak in Louisiana was in 2001.

Travel-Related Mosquito Diseases

Not all mosquito-borne viruses in Louisiana are homegrown. Some, like the following, are usually linked to travel:

• Zika Virus: While Zika made headlines a few years ago due to risks to unborn children, Louisiana has only had 15 confirmed cases, all linked to travel.
• Dengue Fever: Though local outbreaks are rare, Louisiana does have the right mosquito species for transmission.
• Malaria: Locally acquired malaria hasn’t been reported in Louisiana in recent years, but neighboring states like Texas and Florida keep health officials on alert.

These viruses aren’t established in local mosquito populations, but travelers returning from affected areas can temporarily increase risk.

Reducing Your Risk of Mosquito Bites

You can take simple steps to protect yourself, whether you’re at home or outdoors:

• Use a mosquito repellent 
• Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
• Use mosquito netting if sleeping outside or in areas without screens

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: most mosquito bites happen right in your own yard. Some mosquito species, like the Asian tiger mosquito, only travel about 300 feet in their lifetime. That means if they hatch on your property, they’ll likely stay and bite, close to home.

That’s why professional mosquito control is so effective. By treating breeding sites and reducing mosquito populations around your home, you can drastically reduce bites and lower your health risks.

Protect Your Family with Local Mosquito Control

Mosquito-borne illness is a low but genuine concern in Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding areas, especially during peak mosquito season. While most bites won’t make you sick, the best defense is prevention.

If you need help keeping mosquitoes under control around your home, contact your local Anti-Pest team. We offer reliable, effective mosquito treatments all year long!