West Nile virus confirmed in Louisville; here's why you don't need to be afraid
– 2 min read
The Metro Health Department is urging Louisville residents to take precautions and prevent mosquito bites while confirming serious illness is extremely rare.
"I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity.
Are you new here? Sign up for the free newsletter or subscribe to support our mission.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness confirmed a Louisville resident tested positive for West Nile virus on Friday. We don't know anything about the individual or where they live.
According to the health department, this is the first confirmed case of the virus in 2025. Since 2021, there has been at least one confirmed case in the Metro. In 2023, there were seven confirmed cases and two deaths related to West Nile virus in Louisville.
Ultimately, that outcome is rare, according to the health department. In most instances, people infected with West Nile show no symptoms, or very mild symptoms.
But people 60 and older are at greater risk of developing a severe disease from the infection, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
So what do you do to prevent it? Easy... avoid mosquito bites.
Avoid mosquito bites
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. More information about insect repellents can be found here.
- 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 will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to your skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
- Take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours of early morning and dusk. Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
Like what you see? Subscribe now to support Shay Informed- honest journalism with compassion and clarity.
