Louisville Residents Advised to Protect Against West Nile Virus Following Recent Cases
Louisville health officials are urging residents to take precautions against West Nile virus following a recent confirmed case in the city. The Louisville metro Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) continues to monitor mosquito populations and implement control measures as the region experiences ongoing risk.
In 2023, seven positive West Nile virus cases were identified in Louisville, resulting in two fatalities. This followed three positive cases and one death reported in 2022. While most individuals infected with the virus experience no symptoms or mild, flu-like illness, severe cases can occur in people of any age.
“Serious illness can occur in people of any age,” said dr. Kris Bryant,a pediatric infectious disease specialist and associate medical director for LMPHW. “However, people over 60 years of age are at the greatest risk for severe disease. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms typically appear two to six days after an infected mosquito bite. Severe illness can affect the central nervous system and may require hospitalization or lead to death.
LMPHW’s mosquito control team is actively conducting surveillance, misting, and fogging operations throughout Louisville neighborhoods.
Health officials recommend several preventative measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus transmission: use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, eliminate standing water around homes, and ensure windows and doors have intact screens.
