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The discovery of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus in Jefferson County is a reminder to take preventative measures when spending time outside. 

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness reported this week that mosquitos infected with West Nile virus were found in a surveillance trap in the Tyler Park neighborhood. While no human cases of the virus have been reported, health officials scheduled mosquito fogging for the neighborhoods in the area of the trap.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in most instances people infected with West Nile virus present no symptoms or mild symptoms. Serious infections, however, may result in neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. People over 60 are at greatest risk for severe disease as are people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease.

When spending time outdoors, use insect repellents which contain DEET or picaridin. Weather-permitting, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas. Take extra care during early morning and dusk when mosquitos are more active. Help reduce the number of mosquitos by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, water dishes, and discarded tires. Drain bird baths regularly.

Contact your local health department for more information on West Nile virus.

As summer heat continues, make sure you are taking steps to stay cool.

You should also know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

“With heat exhaustion, you’re going to have heavy sweating and cool, pale, clammy skin,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “Your pulse is gonna be fast, but weak. You could have some nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, even start to get a headache, and even at some points passing out.”

Crane says the symptoms of heatstroke are different, with body temperature reaching 103 degrees or higher.

“You’re looking at hot, red, dry skin,” Crane said. “It could be damp, but most of the time it’s hot, red, or dry. A fast but strong pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and then a loss of consciousness.”

For heat exhaustion, get the person to someplace cool, start getting them fluids, and use cold compresses to bring their temperature down. For heatstroke, the person requires immediate medical attention.

“Call 911, move the person to a cooler location, cool them using cooling cloths,” Crane said. “Don’t give them anything to drink. Just try to get them to start to lower that body temperature. When the EMS gets there, they’re going to start to do their thing as well.”

If you are working outside, try to work during the cooler hours earlier in the morning or later in the evening. Drink plenty of fluids, and take breaks in shaded areas.