LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville's Department of Public Health and Wellness found West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes in two Louisville ZIP codes: 40202 and 40204.

“West Nile infected mosquitoes are not unusual for this time of year,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, chief health strategist and director of Public Health and Wellness. “Being outdoors is great for our wellbeing, and with COVID-19 widespread in our community it’s less risky than being indoors. Enjoy the outdoors but take the appropriate precautions no matter what ZIP Code you live in. You should wear insect repellent if you go outside and remove standing water around your home.”   

The department recommends using insect repellents outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants, and taking extra precautions during peak mosquito biting hours in the early morning and dusk.

Residents can also mosquito-proof their home with screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside. Emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths also keeps mosquitos away.

So far in 2020, no human cases have been reported. Here's what the data has looked like in pervious years:

• 2019: Eight human cases and one death
• 2018: Four human cases and no deaths
• 2017: One non-fatal human case
• 2016: Two human cases and one death
• 2015: Three human cases and no deaths 

While most people infected with West Nile virus show little to no symptoms, less than one percent develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Those over 60 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at the greatest risk for severe illness.

Mosquito fogging will take place Wednesday, Aug. 12 around the Phoenix Hill, Nulu, Butchertown, and Irish Hill neighborhoods in the early morning or early evening hours. The Department of Public Health and Wellness uses Zenivex for fogging, which has low toxicity and odor. 

If you want to see whether or not your area has been fogged or will be fogged, call the mosquito hotline at 502-574-6641 or visit the department's website. You can also make a request regarding mosquitoes in your neighborhood by calling Metro Call at 311 or 574-5000.