Mosquitos carrying West Nile virus located in Jefferson County

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has found mosquitos infected with West Nile virusin surveillance traps in seven Jefferson County ZIP codes: 40203, 40206, 40208, 40211, 40212, 40214 and 40215.

"Enjoying the great outdoors is good for both our mental and physical wellbeing," said Connie Mendel, senior deputy director at LMPHW. "But don't forget all of the preventative measures you can take to protect yourself, and your family, from mosquitoes."

West Nile virus is endemic to Louisville, meaning it is regularly found in mosquito populations in Jefferson County. Residents should assume West Nile virus is present in all ZIP codes this time of year. No matter what ZIP code you live in, LMPHW advises you to take the following precautions:

Avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. More information about insect repellents can be found here.
• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitos may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with a repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to your skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Prevent mosquito breeding grounds:

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitos around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, trash cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis. Click herefor more tips.

No human cases of West Nile have been reported in Louisville so far this year. Here is data from previous years:

• 2021 - 3 human cases, 0 deaths
• 2020 - 0 human cases, 0 deaths
• 2019 - 2 human cases, 1 death
• 2018 - 6 human cases, 0 deaths
• 2017 - 2 human cases, 0 deaths
• 2016 - 6 human cases, 1 death

In most instances, people infected with West Nile virus either show no symptoms or relatively mild symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop serious illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

"People of any age can develop serious illness from West Nile virus," Mendel said. "However, those over the age of 60 and people with underlying health conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness."

LMPHW has operated a mosquito control program for more than 60 years. The department does surveillance of mosquito populations with traps strategically located throughout the community, and tests mosquitos for such diseases as West Nile, La Crosse, Eastern Equineand St. Louis Encephalitis.

In the spring, the department pre-treats potential mosquito breeding sites with larvicide to prevent hatch offs. In the summer, it treats catch basins, responds to complaints and performs fogging, when necessary, in response to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Due to the detection of West Nile virus, LMPHW will conduct mosquito foggingthis week near the areas of Churchill Downs, the University of Louisville, Iroquois, Portland, Park Duvalle, Old Louisville, Irish Hill and Crescent Hill. Fogging occurs between dusk and dawn. LMPHW uses Zenivex, a synergized synthetic pyrethroid, using an ultra-low volume fogging machine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kentucky Department of Agriculture have approved the use of Zenivex in residential areas. Zenivex breaks down quickly in sunlight and does not have a residual effect.

To check if your area has been fogged or will be fogged call the mosquito hotline, 502-574-6641, or visit the department's website. To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood call Metro Call at 311 or 502-574-5000.

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ABOUT LOUISVILLE METRO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is a nationally accredited, independent, academic health department committed to achieving health equity and improving the health and well-being of all Louisville residents and visitors.

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