On March 18, 2026, the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) conducted a pilot version of the West Nile Virus (WNV) Healthcare Provider Clinical Awareness Training at the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. The training brought together New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers and Tulane Public Health students. NOHD Intern Lauren Eaves facilitated the discussion, with specialized entomology information about the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito presented by NOHD Climate & Health Officer Sarah Baker. The training covered the basics of West Nile, differentiating between West Nile Fever and West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic tools, treatment options, and mosquito bite prevention tools. The presentation provided several opportunities for audience participation through interactive case studies with realistic scenarios to simulate a physician’s response to WNV patients in their waiting room.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants specifically praised the clarity of the module objectives and the subject matter expertise of the trainers. The primary constructive critique centered on time management. Many participants expressed a desire for a longer session with more time to cover more specific details of the presentation, particularly regarding diagnostic tools and clinical manifestations of WNV. NOHD plans to refine the curriculum based on this feedback by expanding the clinical deep-dive section and adjusting the schedule to allow for more robust engagement and Q&A. This pilot training serves as a critical step in preparing our healthcare community’s readiness for WNV season as the summer months approach.