 Friday, October 11, 2024
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus
in the Crescent Hill and Iroquois areas
 The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has found mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in surveillance traps in the neighborhoods of Crescent Hill and Iroquois.
To prevent infections and decrease the mosquito population, mosquito fogging has recently been carried out in ZIP codes 40280 and 40211. So far, Jefferson County has reported no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus. Many individuals infected with the West Nile virus may show no symptoms or only mild ones. However, fewer than 1% of those infected could develop severe neurological issues, including encephalitis or meningitis.
While these serious conditions can affect anyone, individuals over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk. People with certain health conditions—such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, as well as organ transplant recipients—are also more vulnerable to experiencing severe complications.
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.
- When weather permits, 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. Prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
- Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis.
To check if your area will be fogged, please visit the department’s website or call the mosquito hotline, 502-574-6641. To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood, please call Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.
Tis' the season to protect yourself
from respiratory viruses
 We now have more capacity than ever before to help prevent people from becoming severely ill from major fall and winter respiratory diseases – flu, COVID-19 and RSV diseases. Those preventative measures include:
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Safe, updated immunizations – A vaccine can keep you from getting very sick and needing medical care for these illnesses. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people risk less severe illness and do more of what they enjoy. Treatments are available for flu and COVID-19 and can reduce severe illness, hospitalization and death. RSV vaccines are currently available for adults ages 60 and older.
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Testing – All U.S. households may order up to four (4) additional COVID-19 test kits, at no charge, at www.COVIDTests.gov. You can also visit the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) COVID-19 testing webpage to find the nearest center to pick up free home tests.
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Common-sense measures – Other tools like masking, physical distancing, washing hands, and improving airflow in the places where people live and work can provide an additional layer of protection.
To learn more about the current COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC's COVID-19 webpage. You can also visit our website to find more information about respiratory viruses.
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Coalition seeks emergency infant kits for
North Carolina families impacted by hurricane
 The need for safe infant feeding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is dire. Infants and toddlers are becoming sick or dying of gastrointestinal symptoms due to unsafe feeding practices.
Kentuckiana Lactation Improvement Coalition needs your help to assemble safe infant feeding kits for those impacted. You can drop off unused or new supplies such as shoe-sized plastic bins with lids, bottle brushes, bleach bottles, dish soap, spoons, washcloths and hand sanitizer from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sojourn J-Town, 11412 Taylorsville Road or you can purchase directly from Amazon. Alternatively, you can use this link to donate much-needed supplies or scan the QR codes.
These safe infant feeding kits will be sent directly to those on the ground via the resources provided by the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network.
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