 Friday, August 28, 2026
Could a vape be hiding in your grocery pickup order?
Online ordering and curbside pickup have made shopping easier for families, but they may also create an unexpected opportunity for youth to access vaping products.
A recent situation brought to the attention of Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness involved a young person accessing a vaping product through a family member's online shopping account and retail pickup order. The situation raises an important question for parents, caregivers and retailers: Who is checking the age of the person actually receiving an age-restricted product?
"Federal law prohibits the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, to anyone under age 21," said Connie Mendel, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and chief health strategist. "FDA regulations also require retailers to verify the age of customers under 30 through photo identification. These protections matter whether the transaction begins at a register, on a website or through an app. Research has also identified gaps in age verification involving remote vape purchases, making this an issue families and retailers should take seriously."
Parents and caregivers: Take a second look
When several family members have access to the same grocery or retail account, review the entire cart and itemized receipt, including items added shortly before checkout or pickup. Know who has access to your account, saved payment methods and passwords. If your teenager volunteers to pick up the family's order, know exactly what is in that order before handing over the keys.
Retailers offering online ordering, curbside pickup or other remote purchasing options should also review their procedures for age-restricted products. Age verification measures should protect against an underage person using an adult's account to obtain tobacco or vaping products. The person receiving an age-restricted product must be legally eligible to purchase it.
This concern is especially important as Louisville continues its work to prevent youth vaping. Through our Louder Than Smoke initiative, Louisville Metro is reaching young people with information and resources to help prevent tobacco and vape use. Our Vaping Is So Not Hot campaign is connecting with youth and generating strong engagement among ages 13 to 18.
"Ask your teenager whether they've seen the campaign on social media," said Mendel. "That simple question may open a much bigger conversation about vaping, nicotine and what young people are seeing around them."
Learn more about Louisville Metro's tobacco prevention, licensing and youth initiatives through the Smoke-Free Ordinance and Licensing Program and Louder Than Smoke.
Everyone should take steps to protect
themselves from mosquito bites
 The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) mosquito surveillance program continues to find mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in neighborhoods across Jefferson County. Recent testing identified mosquitoes carrying the virus in nine additional areas, a reminder that West Nile virus is not limited to one part of Louisville and that everyone should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not become seriously ill, but some can develop severe symptoms. The best way to reduce your risk is to avoid mosquito bites and help prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home.
" Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus can be found in any neighborhood. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect you, your family, and your community," said Connie Mendel, director of LMPHW and chief health strategist.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
- Use an insect repellent registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency when outdoors.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when possible.
- Take extra precautions at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Consider treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin, following product directions.
Help reduce mosquitoes around your home
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. At least once a week:
- Empty water from flowerpots, buckets, pet bowls, birdbaths, gutters, pool covers, and other containers.
- Throw away old tires and other items that can collect rainwater.
- Repair damaged window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.
Jefferson County reported 12 human cases of West Nile virus in 2025. So far in 2026, one human case has been reported.
The health department may conduct mosquito control fogging in additional areas where surveillance detects increased mosquito activity or mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus.
Stay informed
- Visit the department's website to see current mosquito spraying areas and maps and prevention resources.
- For fogging updates call the Mosquito Fogging Hotline at 502-574-6641.
- Report mosquito concerns to Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.
- To be alerted by text message when mosquito fogging occurs in your neighborhood, opt-in for LENSAlerts with your cell phone. Text “LENSALERT” to 67283 to start receiving fogging notifications in your area.
Get help understanding your health insurance options
Navigating health insurance can be overwhelming, but Family Health Centers' certified kynectors are here to help at no cost. Whether you need help renewing coverage, updating your information, understanding an insurance notice, or exploring options after losing coverage, expert assistance is available.
To make the process easier, residents are encouraged to bring:
- Identification
- Social Security cards or immigration documents
- Income verification such as recent pay stubs
- Information about household members including names, birthdates, and incomes.
Residents can receive free, one-on-one support at multiple Family Health Centers locations throughout Louisville. To schedule an appointment, call 502-772-8182 or visit this website for more information.
You could have a career in public health
Join our team at LMPHW and help build a healthier Louisville! Explore our latest open positions and apply today.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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