Louisville resident tests positive for West Nile virus

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville resident tested positive Monday for the West Nile virus.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said last week that mosquitoes carrying the virus were found in a monitoring trap in the Wyandotte/Oakdale neighborhood.

This is the first confirmed West Nile case in Louisville of 2026.

Officials said mosquito fogging is planned Monday night for the Fern Creek area.

There have been no West Nile-related deaths in Louisville since 2023.

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.

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.

Last month, a pool of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in Floyd County, Indiana.