Kentucky issues health alert as Lexington reports 4th West Nile case

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has issued a statewide Health Alert after a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus and La Crosse virus.

According to KDPH, Kentucky has reported 19 cases of West Nile Virus this year, including one death. That’s compared to an average of seven cases in previous years. The state has also confirmed two cases of La Crosse virus and is investigating two more, a sharp increase from the 11 cases reported statewide between 2003 and 2024.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) says four human cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed in Fayette County since late August. All of the cases involve adults between the ages of 30 and 77 who required hospitalization. Health officials say the patients either lived in or spent significant time outdoors in the 40502, 40505, and 40509 zip codes and reported being bitten by mosquitoes.

As a precaution, LFCHD says it has already conducted mosquito spraying in those neighborhoods.

West Nile Virus symptoms

According to the health alert, West Nile Virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, neck stiffness, tremors, vision loss, muscle weakness, or a rash on the chest, stomach, or back. Symptoms typically develop three to 14 days after being bitten.

Milder illness often resolves on its own, but health officials urge anyone experiencing severe symptoms—such as severe headaches or confusion—to seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing mosquito bites

KDPH recommends taking the following steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents, especially at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when outdoors.

• Repair window and door screens.

• Eliminate standing water around your home, including in gutters, birdbaths, pet bowls, tires, and flower pots.

Local prevention efforts

LFCHD says it conducts weekly mosquito trapping across six locations in Lexington to monitor mosquito populations. Areas with high numbers of mosquitoes are targeted for spraying, which is carried out until the first frost or when evening temperatures stay below 55 degrees.

The department says it uses a product called Duet, applied in very low doses—about six-tenths of an ounce per acre. Spraying only takes place under specific weather conditions, including calm winds, dry skies, and temperatures above 55 degrees.

Residents can report standing water or mosquito problems by calling LFCHD’s Environmental Health and Protection office at (859) 231-9791.