Health News
- Tips On How To Avoid Getting Bitten By Mosquitoes
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Spending time outdoors is one of the great pleasures of summer. Unfortunately, this is also the active season for the 50 mosquito species that call Kentucky home. These mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance;...
- Some Odors We Emit Make Us More Attractive To Mosquitoes; Various Repellents, Including Plant Oils, Are Available
Mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others because of skin odors or chemicals they emit, Jill Richardson writes for Salon. Carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, scent and appearance attract mosquitoes, but it's the chemicals you...
- First Kentuckian Gets Caribbean Virus, Chikungunya Or Chik-v
State officials have confirmed Kentucky's first case of the Caribbean virus chikungunya?or CHIK-V. The first case is an Anderson County man who recently went to Haiti. Though CHIK-V is not native to Kentucky and doesn't usually result...
- Laurel County Man Talks About Bout With West Nile; One Of Few Diagnosed With Disease In Kentucky
A Laurel County man has shared his story after contracting the West Nile Virus, which, though rare in Kentucky, has been more common nationwide this year than it has been since it was first discovered in 1999. Kelly Curens spent three weeks at the University...
- West Nile Outbreak Light In Ky. But 'one Of The Largest' In Nation
U.S. health officials reported Wednesday three times the usual number of West Nile cases for this time of year and one expert told the Associated Press it was ?one of the largest? outbreaks since the virus appeared in this country in 1999. So far, 1,118...
Health News
Fight is on against mosquitoes, West Nile virus after flooding
The fight is on to rid Western Kentucky of a mosquito infestation worsened by recent flooding. Treatment to kill adult mosquitoes began Wednesday night, The Gleaner of Henderson reports.
The effort is partly to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus, a potentially serious illness. Mild infection can result in fever, headache, body ache and a skin rash. Severe infection, which affects about 1 in 150 infected people, can lead to high fever, disorientation, sleepiness and even coma, paralysis and death. Mosquitoes can transmit the infection to humans with a bite. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention diagram)
The state's plan is a two-part process, killing adult mosquitoes and their larvae. It uses aerial spraying over 700,000 acres in Western Kentucky, concentrating on areas along or near waterways where flooding was most problematic. Planes will spray from dusk until after midnight until treatment is complete. Afterward, ground crews with the Transportation Cabinet will treat against mosquito larvae in standing water. The state Department of Agriculture will also spray ditch lines along roads. Chemicals used in the treatments are only harmful to mosquitoes, gnats and black flies, a state press release reads. It is safe for humans, pets and livestock.
Residents are asked to eliminate standing water in containers on their property and wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. (Read more)
Residents are asked to eliminate standing water in containers on their property and wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. (Read more)
- Tips On How To Avoid Getting Bitten By Mosquitoes
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Spending time outdoors is one of the great pleasures of summer. Unfortunately, this is also the active season for the 50 mosquito species that call Kentucky home. These mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance;...
- Some Odors We Emit Make Us More Attractive To Mosquitoes; Various Repellents, Including Plant Oils, Are Available
Mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others because of skin odors or chemicals they emit, Jill Richardson writes for Salon. Carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, scent and appearance attract mosquitoes, but it's the chemicals you...
- First Kentuckian Gets Caribbean Virus, Chikungunya Or Chik-v
State officials have confirmed Kentucky's first case of the Caribbean virus chikungunya?or CHIK-V. The first case is an Anderson County man who recently went to Haiti. Though CHIK-V is not native to Kentucky and doesn't usually result...
- Laurel County Man Talks About Bout With West Nile; One Of Few Diagnosed With Disease In Kentucky
A Laurel County man has shared his story after contracting the West Nile Virus, which, though rare in Kentucky, has been more common nationwide this year than it has been since it was first discovered in 1999. Kelly Curens spent three weeks at the University...
- West Nile Outbreak Light In Ky. But 'one Of The Largest' In Nation
U.S. health officials reported Wednesday three times the usual number of West Nile cases for this time of year and one expert told the Associated Press it was ?one of the largest? outbreaks since the virus appeared in this country in 1999. So far, 1,118...