West Nile Virus found in Kentucky for the first time; residents advised to take protective measures
Louisville Residents Urged to Take Precautions Against West Nile Virus
In the wake of the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in a Louisville resident this year, local health authorities have emphasized the importance of taking precautions to prevent infection. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has issued a series of recommendations to help residents stay safe during the ongoing mosquito season[1][2][3].
Use Insect Repellents
The first line of defense against mosquito bites is the use of insect repellents. The CDC recommends repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or certain oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products[1]. It is essential to follow the label instructions carefully for optimal safety and effectiveness. For extra protection, clothes can be sprayed with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent, but permethrin should not be applied directly on the skin.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors can provide an additional barrier against mosquito bites. Clothing can be sprayed with permethrin for extra protection, but as mentioned earlier, permethrin should not be applied directly on the skin.
Avoid Outdoor Activities During Peak Mosquito-Biting Times
The risk of mosquito bites is significantly higher during peak biting hours, which are early morning and dusk. To minimize the risk, it is advisable to avoid outdoor activities during these hours, especially from dusk to dawn. If outdoor activities are unavoidable during these hours, it is recommended to wear repellent and protective clothing.
Reduce Mosquito Breeding Grounds
To prevent mosquito breeding, it is essential to eliminate standing water around your home. This includes flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths. Although this was not detailed in the most recent update, commonly recommended mosquito control strategies include regularly emptying these items to prevent standing water.
Take Extra Care for High-Risk Individuals
People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and those who have received organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness. These individuals should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Stay Informed and Vigilant
Louisville's Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel has urged everyone to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The West Nile virus has been present in Louisville's mosquitoes for several years, and ongoing mosquito surveillance shows the presence of the virus in Jefferson County. It is essential to stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile virus infection.
In summary, to prevent West Nile virus infection in Louisville this year, it is recommended to use EPA-approved insect repellents, wear protective clothing especially at dusk/dawn, and avoid mosquito bites. Those at higher risk for severe illness should take extra care to protect themselves. By following these recommendations, residents can help protect themselves and their communities from the West Nile virus.
[1] Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. (n.d.). West Nile Virus. Retrieved from https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-health-wellness/west-nile-virus
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). West Nile Virus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
[3] Kentucky Department for Public Health. (n.d.). West Nile Virus. Retrieved from https://healthlouisville.org/west-nile-virus/
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