Public Health News & Alerts

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 09/16/2022 09:00 AM EDT

Friday, September 16, 2022

Public Health News & Alerts

West Nile death confirmed in a Louisville resident

Two additional individuals test positive

One person has died and two people have tested positive for West Nile virus in Jefferson County.

In 2021, there were three human cases and no deaths. In 2020, there were no human cases or deaths.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are not unusual for this time of year. The department continues to find mosquitoes with West Nile virus in several ZIP codes.

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

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.

Reduce your exposure to monkeypox before, during and after events

Are you heading out to any of the many events that are happening in Louisville this weekend? Monkeypox can spread through close, sustained physical contact. Consider how much skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur at any event you plan to attend.

Here’s how you can protect yourself and others before, during, and after an event: https://bit.ly/3AKvJg1

Vaccine events

Here are several opportunities for eligible individuals to get vaccinated:

Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness will be holding a Community Vaccine Clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 17 at the Specialty Clinic, 914 E. Broadway, St. 102. Walk-ins welcome.
Baptist Health will hold a monkeypox clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 17 at 3607 Fern Valley Road, Suite 102. No appointments necessary. Walk-ins are welcome. Open to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Norton Healthcare will be hosting another mass event on September 24. This is to ensure those vaccinated on August 27 can receive a 2^nd dose, but they will also be offering 1^st doses at this event. Utilizing the updated PEP++ criteria.

Visit the department's website to learn more information about monkeypox and additional vaccination opportunities.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Understanding the issues around suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention and helping others who may be in crisis can make a difference and save lives. Suicide Prevention Month is a time for connection.

If you or someone you know needs help, connect to hope. Call or text #988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, to speak to a trained crisis counselor 24/7/365.

Learn how you can be there for the people you care about and help prevent suicide: https://bit.ly/3PT2U7r