LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Department for Public Health and Wellness has found West Nile virus infected mosquitos in the Crescent Hill and Iroquois neighborhoods.

What You Need To Know

  • The Louisville Metro Department for Public Health and Wellness found West Nile virus mosquitoes

  • The pests were found in the Crescent Hill and Iroquois neighborhoods

  • LMPHW has increased fogging in a pair of ZIP code areas

LMPHW says it has increased mosquito fogging in the 40280 and 40211 ZIP codes. The department says there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus.

A release from LMPHW says many people infected with the virus don’t show symptoms or have mild ones. The department says less than 1% of those infected could develop severe neurological issues, including encephalitis or meningitis. People over 60 are at the greatest risk and those with certain heal conditions—such as cancer, diabetes and organ transplant recipients—are also more vulnerable to 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 see 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.

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