Lexington health department to spray for mosquitoes after third West Nile case

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will spray for mosquitoes early next week after confirming another case of West Nile Virus.

According to the health department, three people in Lexington have now tested positive for the virus. The patients range in age from 30 to 77 and have required hospitalization.

In response, mosquito spraying is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, between 3 and 6 a.m. in parts of the 40505 ZIP code. The department says conditions must be calm, above 55 degrees, and rain-free for spraying to occur. Spraying has already taken place in sections of 40502 and 40505 due to earlier cases.

Officials say West Nile Virus is most often spread when an infected mosquito bites a human or animal. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, neck stiffness, tremors, vision loss, muscle weakness, or a rash on the chest, stomach, or back. Symptoms typically develop within 3–14 days after being bitten.

Most mild cases improve on their own without treatment, but anyone experiencing unusually severe headaches, confusion, or other signs of serious illness should seek medical attention immediately.

Health officials are encouraging residents to cover exposed skin, use insect repellent, and remove standing water around their homes to help prevent mosquito breeding.

More information is available at lfchd.org/mosquitoes.