West Nile Update Press Release 10-02-25

State issues Health Alert for mosquito-borne illnesses as Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reports 4th case of West Nile (10-02-25)

On September 30, 2025, The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) issued a Health Alert regarding an increase in Mosquito-borne Illnesses in Kentucky including West Nile Virus (WNV) and La Crosse virus. In Kentucky, 19 cases, including 1 death, of WNV have been reported from local heath jurisdictions across Kentucky, compared to an average of 7 cases of WNV in previous years. In addition, there have been two confirmed cases of La Crosse virus and two additional suspected cases under investigation from Eastern/Central Kentucky this year. This is compared to only 11 cases reported in total in Kentucky from 2003 to 2024.


The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) has identified 4 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Fayette County. The cases were all reported late August through late September. All cases are adults between the ages of 30-77 years of age and have required hospitalization. These residents reside or spent long periods of time outdoors and reported being bitten by mosquitos in the 40502, 40505 and 40509 zip codes.


As a result of these cases, LFCHD has conducted mosquito spraying in parts of 40502, 40505 and 40509 as previously reported.

West Nile Virus Facts
West Nile Virus is most often spread when an infected mosquito bites a human or animal. Symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, neck stiffness, tremors, vision loss, muscle weakness or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms usually develop 3-14 days after being bitten. Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.

Avoiding Mosquitos
The best way to reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Taking the following actions will help you to avoid mosquito bites:
● Be aware of peak mosquito activity times. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times. Use insect repellent when outdoors especially during peak biting times, including early morning hours. Look for EPA-labeled repellants containing active ingredients, such as DEET, Picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol). Apply repellent according to label instructions. When weather permits, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent helps prevent bites.
● Mosquito-proof your home and yard. Fix or install window and door screens. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water. Limit
the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items such as tires, gutters, flower pots, children’s toys, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.


Lexington-Fayette County Health Department Preventive Actions
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department routinely conducts West Nile surveillance activities in cooperation with the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Human Services.

  • Mosquito trapping is done throughout the county on a weekly basis at six different locations. The numbers of caught mosquitoes are tabulated to determine the relative mosquito populations of each area of Lexington. High numbers will result in spraying of the area.
    To help control mosquitoes in Lexington neighborhoods, the health department conducts mosquito-spraying activities through the first frost or when evening temperatures remain below 55o. Spraying is done in the early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. The health department uses Duet, which has been used nationally for many years to help control mosquito populations. Duet has been carefully tested and is registered for ground and aerial application in outdoor residential and recreational areas. It is applied in very low doses, approximately six-tenths of an ounce per acre (about the size of a football field).
    The weather conditions for mosquito spraying must be within the following parameters:
    ● Wind speed of less than 10 mph.
    ● Temperature of greater than 55o F
    ● No rain or dense fog.

To report a standing water or excessive mosquito problem in your area, please contact Environmental Health and Protection at (859) 231-9791.

More information about the type of mosquito spray LFCHD uses can be found here:
https://www.lfchd.org/duet-mosquito-spray-information/