LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Health officials are reminding Louisville residents to stay vigilant this summer after mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were found in parts of the city.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said Friday the mosquitoes were found in the Highlands and Tyler Park neighborhoods.

While no human cases have been reported, fogging is underway to stop any spread of the virus. Mosquito fogging is intended to help prevent infection and reduce the mosquito population. 

Health officials said West Nile shows up in local mosquitoes around this time each year.

In most cases, people infected with the virus have mild to no symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people have gotten a serious neurologic illness like encephalitis or meningitis. People over the age of 60 and those with medical conditions like cancer and diabetes are more susceptible for serious illness. 

"So we really want to promote everyone protecting themselves as much as possible," Patrick Rich, with Louisville's health department, said Tuesday. "Any long-sleeves, long pants when you can. If it is too hot when you're out doing sports or recreation, obviously you'll want to do an approved pesticide, some Deet is preferred to protect yourself to make sure you don't get any bites to protect yourself from the virus."

Health officials also recommend using EPA-approved insect repellent and dumping any standing water around your home. 

There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported this year in Jefferson County. 

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 Monday, 49 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 states to Kentucky and Indiana reporting human cases are Ohio and Tennessee. That number doubles the total human cases reported last Thursday, which was 24. 

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.

Previous Coverage: 

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

Mosquitoes with West Nile virus found near the Highlands in Louisville

Health officials urge protection, prevention as cases of West Nile virus climb across US

Health officials confirm West Nile Virus found in Clark County

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