 Friday, September 23, 2022
Public Health News & Alerts
Norton Healthcare will hold a monkeypox vaccination clinic
 Norton Healthcare will be hosting another monkeypox vaccination event on September 24. This is to ensure those vaccinated on August 27 can receive a 2nd dose. First doses will also be offered at this event. Find out if you’re eligible for a monkeypox vaccination.
Here’s where to find more information about monkeypox, including the number of cases, prevention steps, and additional vaccination opportunities.
Protect your family by testing your home for radon
 Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot smell, taste or see. It can enter your home through cracks or openings in the foundation, slab or
sump pit. It's the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking.
The EPA and Surgeon General estimate radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths a
year. The only way to determine how much radon is in your home is to test for it.
For more information about radon, please visit our website or call (502) 574-6650.
Take steps to keep yourself safe from West Nile virus
 There have been four people who have tested positive for West Nile virus in Jefferson County. One of them has died. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are not unusual for this time of year. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness continues to find mosquitoes with West Nile virus in several ZIP codes.
The department conducts mosquito fogging in areas where West Nile virus has been detected. 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.
People over 60 years of age are at the greatest risk for severe disease. Those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants are also at greater risk for serious illness.
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.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
- Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk. Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
Louisville remains in the yellow alert status for COVID-19
 Louisville's COVID-19 status is holding steading at the yellow or medium community level. Here are the recommended actions you can take to protect yourself and others.
At all COVID-19 Community Levels:
When the COVID-19 Community Level is Medium or High:
- If you are at high risk of getting very sick, wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) when indoors in public.
- If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sick, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, and consider wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them.
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