West Nile Virus Detected In Lexington, KY

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The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Lexington, Kentucky. This announcement follows routine mosquito surveillance, which detected the virus in local mosquito populations.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is primarily spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which serve as the natural reservoir for the virus. WNV is not spread directly from person to person, or from animals to people.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus

Most people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms. However, about 20% of infected individuals will experience mild symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Joint pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash

Less than 1% of those infected develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms of severe illness include:

  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Neck stiffness
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can get West Nile Virus, but people over the age of 60 and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, are at greater risk of developing severe illness. — XML Injector: Enhance Your Sims 4 Modding

How to Protect Yourself

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus: — Steve Crowder's Wife: Everything You Need To Know

  • Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Always follow the product label instructions.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Empty Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty and clean out containers such as flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, and wading pools regularly.
  • Install or Repair Screens: Make sure your windows and doors have screens that are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out.

Lexington's Response

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is actively monitoring mosquito populations and implementing control measures to reduce the risk of WNV transmission. These measures include:

  • Mosquito trapping and testing
  • Spraying insecticide in areas with high mosquito activity
  • Educating the public about WNV prevention

Stay Informed

Residents of Lexington are encouraged to stay informed about West Nile Virus and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. For more information, visit the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department website or contact your healthcare provider.

Call to Action: Stay vigilant, protect yourself, and help keep Lexington healthy. Report any standing water on public property to the health department. — Cardi B's 'Man Of Your Word': Lyrics & Meaning