Health News
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 illnesses have been reported, about half of them in Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kentucky has reported few cases.
In an average year, fewer than 300 cases are reported by mid-August. There have also been 41 deaths this year. Most infections are usually reported in August and September, so it?s too early to say how bad this year will end up, CDC officials said. AP reports that West Nile virus peaked in 2002 and 2003, when severe illnesses reached nearly 3,000 and deaths surpassed 260.
The best way to prevent West Nile disease, say experts, is to avoid mosquito bites. Insect repellents, screens on doors and windows and wearing long sleeves and pants are some of the recommended strategies. Also, empty standing water from buckets, kiddie pools and other places to discourage breeding. (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;...
- Kentucky Led The Nation In Hepatitis C Cases In 2013; State's Rate Rose 357 Percent From 2007 To 2011
By Tim Mandell Kentucky Health News Kentucky had the nation's highest rate of hepatitis C in 2013, with 5.1 cases per every 100,000 people, says a report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As many as 3.5 million people...
- 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...
- 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...
Health News
West Nile outbreak light in Ky. but 'one of the largest' in nation
So far, 1,118 illnesses have been reported, about half of them in Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kentucky has reported few cases.
In an average year, fewer than 300 cases are reported by mid-August. There have also been 41 deaths this year. Most infections are usually reported in August and September, so it?s too early to say how bad this year will end up, CDC officials said. AP reports that West Nile virus peaked in 2002 and 2003, when severe illnesses reached nearly 3,000 and deaths surpassed 260.
The best way to prevent West Nile disease, say experts, is to avoid mosquito bites. Insect repellents, screens on doors and windows and wearing long sleeves and pants are some of the recommended strategies. Also, empty standing water from buckets, kiddie pools and other places to discourage breeding. (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;...
- Kentucky Led The Nation In Hepatitis C Cases In 2013; State's Rate Rose 357 Percent From 2007 To 2011
By Tim Mandell Kentucky Health News Kentucky had the nation's highest rate of hepatitis C in 2013, with 5.1 cases per every 100,000 people, says a report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As many as 3.5 million people...
- 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...
- 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...