First West Nile case of 2025 confirmed in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The West Nile virus has been confirmed in a Louisville resident.

In a news release, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said it has been notified of the first confirmed case of the virus this year.

Because of privacy issues, no information was released about the person, including their gender and which area of the city they live in. There have been no deaths related to West Nile virus in 2025 to date.

The health department is advising residents and visitors to the area to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

"West Nile virus has been present in mosquitoes for years. We work year-round to reduce the mosquito population and we continue to urge everyone to protect themselves against mosquito bites," Louisville’s Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel said in a statement. "No matter what ZIP code you live in, please take precautions to avoid being bitten."

Infections of West Nile virus have fluctuated in the past several years. According to numbers released by the health department there was one infection in 2024 and no deaths. In 2023, there were 7 infections and two deaths. In 2022, three cases and one death, and in 2021, one case and no deaths.

Symptoms of West Nile virus

In most instances, people infected with West Nile either show no symptoms or relatively mild symptoms. The chance of developing a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis from the virus is less than one percent, but serious illness can occur in people of any age. However, people over 60 are at the greatest risk along with people diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants.

Preventing mosquito bites

Hot and wet weather have officials nationwide on high alert as mosquitoes continue to breed.

Experts said the best thing you can do is pay attention to open water on your property.

You're also encouraged to wear long clothing, such as pants and long-sleeved shirts, to minimize skin exposure and using repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Health officials urge all residents, not just those where infected mosquitoes have been found, to protect themselves and their families by following these steps:

Use insect repellents when outdoors and use repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Weather permitting, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks outdoors as mosquitoes can bite through lightweight fabrics. Also, treat your clothes with insect repellent.
Be extra careful during early morning or at dusk when mosquitoes are more active.
Eliminate standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers and pet dishes
Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

To report mosquitoes in your neighborhood, call 311 or 502-574-5000.

To see what areas have been fogged or if your area will be fogged, click here or call the mosquito fogging hotline at 502-574-6641. To receive text messages when your neighborhood will be fogged, sign up for LENSALert by clicking here.

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