Louisville begins spraying after mosquito carrying West Nile virus found near Tyler Park

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The city of Louisville has detected a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus in the Tyler Park area — and is now spraying the neighborhood to try and reduce the risk.

But for many residents, that’s cold comfort. The question still lingers: What if the mosquito that just bit me was infected?

“There’s a lot more mosquitoes than usual,” said Diannea Comstock, a business owner at Mid City Mall, which sits right in the middle of the affected area. “We don’t stand outside very often, because when you do, you get a lot of bites.”

Comstock is concerned — especially for people with preexisting health issues.

“If you already have health issues, you’re going to have more problems if you get West Nile,” she said. “If you already have anxieties, this is just one more worry for you.”

She’s not alone in her concern.

“Well, it’s a big deal for the people who are at risk,” another resident told WDRB. “And I think everybody needs to know about it.”

Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease specialist with UofL Health, said those who are most at-risk are the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.

While most people who contract the virus won’t experience symptoms, Burns said some may have mild flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, fever or muscle aches.

But for vulnerable groups, a mosquito bite could lead to far more serious consequences.

“They can have severe symptoms,” Burns said. “Such as a severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, even paralysis. It can evolve into a coma, even death.”

Despite the city's spraying efforts, health officials recommend people continue using mosquito control products.

“It depends on what they’re doing,” one resident explained. “If they’re having a party, people use citronella candles and torch fuel. But if they’re going camping or spending a lot of time outside, they’re going to use products like Off or Cutter to spray on themselves.”

Back at Mid City Mall, Comstock said she hopes the community takes the warning seriously.

“And that’s a shame,” she said. “Because we have to still care about something.”

To make a complaint about mosquitoes in your neighborhood, call 311 or 502-574-5000.

The city of Louisville conducts mosquito fogging between June and October, Monday through Thursday evenings between dusk and dawn when mosquito numbers are at their highest.

Louisville Metro Health and Public Wellness said fogging is performed through its Vector Control Team on a case-by-case basis, such as when disease is present or there are a high number of mosquitoes. For additional resources or to learn more about mosquito fogging, make a mosquito complaint or report, click here.

A mosquito carrying West Nile was also confirmed by health officials in Clark County, Indiana, last month.

Health officials are continuing to track an increase in cases across several states. As of July 10, 24 human cases had been reported in at least 14 states so far this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The closest state to Kentucky and Indiana reporting human cases is Tennessee.

Hot and wet weather have officials 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.

Other ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites include:

Know when to expect them: Mosquitoes that transmit disease are typically active from dusk to dawn.
Wear EPA-registered insect repellents: The EPA recommends those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-metadane-diol or 2-undecanone. To use the EPA search tool to find recommended repellents, click here.
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than two months.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-metadane-diol on children younger than three years old.
- Do not use repellents containing permethrin directly to your skin, regardless of age, or under your clothing.
Treat clothes and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin, which can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear. Experts said items will still be protected after several cycles in the wash. It should never be applied directly to the skin.
Reduce the amount of exposed skin on your body by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, socks and shoes that cover your whole foot, especially if you're going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Experts said mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothing with repellents will provide extra protection. Experts said to pay special attention when in wooded and shady areas outside where mosquitoes are especially active.
Dump any standing water around the home, including flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, gutters, garden hoses, etc. and draining birdbaths on a regular basis if you have one. Experts said mosquitoes can breed in as little water as in a bottlecap.
Keep doors and window screens in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting indoors.
Avoid wearing perfumes and scented lotions while spending time outdoors.
Maintain lawns, trim hedges, keep grass cut and remove any heavy vegetation.
Take extra precautions during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are early morning and dusk, by wearing repellent and protective clothing or avoiding outdoor activities altogether during those hours.

If you think you may have contracted West Nile Virus, call your local health care provider.

To learn more about West Nile Virus, how to prevent it and how it spreads, treatment, signs and symptoms to watch for, additional resources and more, click here.

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