Health News
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.
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Health News
Laurel County man talks about bout with West Nile; one of few diagnosed with disease in Kentucky
Kelly Curens spent three weeks at the University of Kentucky medical center, much of which was spent in an induced coma. He started feeling sick after a camping trip at Lake Cumberland, reports Phil Penderton for WKYT-TV. The illness started with a headache and graduated to feeling dizzy, which were symptoms to similar to ones he experienced a few years ago when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When he went to the emergency room at St. Joseph London hospital, he had a seizure.
Curens was one of the first in Kentucky to be positively diagnosed with the virus, which has affected more than 1,100 people nationwide this year. About half of the cases have been in Texas. Four horses have been diagnosed with the disease in Kentucky since Aug. 2. Craig Carter, director of the UK Veterminary Diagnostic Lab, said Kentucky is "still in the high-risk part of the season for West Nile infection."
Curens has been treated and is feeling much better now. "From what I was told, I'm very lucky," he said. "My blood sugar and blood pressure has always been good. Had I not been healthy I probably wouldn't be here today."
The elderly, infants and babies at the most risk, said Marion Pennington, regional epidemiologist at the Cumberland Valley District Health Department.
To protect oneself from the West Nile Virus, officials advise to:
? Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and other containers that could collect water.
? Remove discarded tires from properties. They are the most common mosquito breeding grounds in the country.
? Drill holes in recycling containers.
? Drain gutters properly and clean gutters in the spring and fall.
? Turn over swimming pools and wheelbarrows when they aren't in use.
? Change the water in birdbaths on a regular basis.
? Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs.
? Make sure screens on windows don't have holes in them.
? Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outside in the early morning and late evening. (Read more)
Curens has been treated and is feeling much better now. "From what I was told, I'm very lucky," he said. "My blood sugar and blood pressure has always been good. Had I not been healthy I probably wouldn't be here today."
The elderly, infants and babies at the most risk, said Marion Pennington, regional epidemiologist at the Cumberland Valley District Health Department.
To protect oneself from the West Nile Virus, officials advise to:
? Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and other containers that could collect water.
? Remove discarded tires from properties. They are the most common mosquito breeding grounds in the country.
? Drill holes in recycling containers.
? Drain gutters properly and clean gutters in the spring and fall.
? Turn over swimming pools and wheelbarrows when they aren't in use.
? Change the water in birdbaths on a regular basis.
? Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs.
? Make sure screens on windows don't have holes in them.
? Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outside in the early morning and late evening. (Read more)
- 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...
- Flu Now Widespread In Kentucky; First Death Reported; Young Adults, Children At Higher Risk Than Usual; Vaccine Advised For All
This is an update of a story posted Tuesday. The state Department for Public Health said Tuesday that influenza in Kentucky has gone beyond regional breakouts to being widespread, the highest level in the official rankings. Wednesday, the agency received...
- Many More Serious Cases Of West Nile Virus Reported This Year, But Only One In Kentucky
Though only one Kentuckian has been affected, more serious cases of people infected by the West Nile virus have been reported this year than any since 2004. Through July, 241 cases were reported in 22 states. The virus has caused four deaths....
- 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...
- Cold Vs. Flu: The Battle
It?s the bout of the season, and it?s fought at home, at work and in public. In one corner, the symptoms are suddenly feeling feverish, having a headache, being achy, feeling tired and spiking a fever, sometimes with a scratchy throat. In the other, the...