Public Health News & Alerts

Several respiratory illnesses including the flu, COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are circulating in Jefferson County and across the nation. In addition, an outbreak of the measles – a highly infectious respiratory disease – has been identified in a nearby state.

As family and friends gather this holiday season, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is reminding you of ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV  

In Jefferson County, more than 7,000 cases of the have been reported, along with nine flu-related deaths. It is important to note that a flu-related death may not be the primary cause. Flu shots are the most effective tool available to prevent serious illness. More information about the flu, including weekly influenza reports, can be found on Louisville’s “Flu Activity” webpage.

The CDC’s data tracker shows the COVID-19 community level in Jefferson County is in the “low” category. However, cases are increasing across the country pushing some surrounding counties into the “medium” and “high-risk” categories.

COVID-19 vaccines and testing are still aiding in the fight against the spread of the virus. You can order a set of four free at-home tests at COVIDtests.gov.

To learn more about COVID-19 facts, testing and vaccination information, visit the Louisville COVID-19 Resource Center.  

In recent weeks, RSV outbreaks at facilities like childcare centers have also been reported in the Louisville Metro area. RSV causes cold-like symptoms that can become more serious, especially for infants and older adults. For RSV symptoms, care and state trends, visit the CDC’s website.  

Measles  

As of this week, more than 70 cases of the measles have been reported in Columbus, Ohio. More than 25 patients have been hospitalized, according to the City of Columbus. Of the confirmed cases, public health officials report 69 were not vaccinated against the measles, four were partially vaccinated and one had an unknown vaccination status. Measles is highly contagious, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours.  

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 12 days after exposure and include:  

• Fever 
• Cough
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Rash that breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin 

No cases of have been reported in Jefferson County. It is strongly recommended that people 12 months and older get two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is about 97% effective at preventing measles.  

Vaccinations  

To get the MMR vaccine, contact your primary care provider. LMPHW also provides vaccines for children and adults at its immunization clinics by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 502-574-5380 or visit Public Health and Wellness’ immunizations page.  

Visit vaccines.gov to find out where you can get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster.  

Before heading to a holiday gathering or trip to your grandparents' house, you should test for COVID-19 even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. People who are asymptomatic can still spread the disease to others.

Free antigen and PCR testing will be provided by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, the Kentucky Nurses Association, Family Health Centers and the Parkhill Community Center. Individuals are encouraged to bring their ID card to Parkhill Community Center, 1703 South 13th Street, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 20, January 17, 2023, and February 21, 2023.

If you test positive, call the LOU Health COVID-19 Helpline at (502) 912-8598.

For a listing of additional testing locations, please visit our COVID-19 Testing website.

Have you been feeling down and lacking energy? Your mood changes could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a type of depression that recurs each year for about four to five months, most often beginning when the days get shorter in the fall and ending when longer hours of daylight return in the spring and summer.

Sometimes called “winter blues,” the seasonal depression affects about 5 percent of the U.S. population and impacts women far more often than men.

Treatments are available that can help many people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that may be used alone or in combination:

• Light therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Vitamin D
• Antidepressant medications

Please talk to your primary care provider about which treatment is best for you.

Or, if you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, do not hesitate to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.