West Nile virus death reported in Louisville

The Shelby County Health Department has confirmed the county’s only human death of 2016 from West Nile virus.

The man is hospitalized, health officials said.

The best way to prevent West Nile or other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

It is common to identify mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus at this point in the early fall season, according to Eloise Hazelwood, Director of Health in Wallingford.

As of September 16, the department said human, bird, and mosquito West Nile infections have been discovered in 36 California counties. When present, symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness.

However, four out of five people infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms. According to Sun Herald, in some severe cases, symptoms such as neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, and paralysis could happen and these people should immediately see a physician immediately.

The virus can infect people of all ages, but people older than 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.

Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, especially from dusk until dawn.

DEFEND yourself by using insect repellent. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Dress in long sleeves, trousers when outside: For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.