FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2003) - Kentucky’s first death related to West Nile Virus for 2003 has been reported and the total number of human cases has reached 11, the Department for Public Health reported today.

            The individual, a Campbell County resident, died while hospitalized for their illness. Other recent human cases have been reported in Fayette, Daviess, Kenton, and Clinton counties.  In all five of these cases, the onset of the illness began between August and mid-September and test results were confirmed by the state lab.

            Six human cases had been reported previously in Kentucky for this year. No other details about the human cases will be released from the Department for Public Health.

            Last year there were five deaths and 75 West Nile cases in humans reported by the department.

             Although the weather is turning cooler, Kentuckians should continue taking precautions for West Nile Virus. Mosquito activity is still likely on warmer days.

            Comprehensive listings for positive birds, horses and mosquito pools by county can be found on the Department for Public Health website at http://chs.ky.gov/publichealth/west_nile_virus.htm.

Here are some things Kentuckians can do to help stop the spread of mosquitoes and West Nile Virus:

·   Drain and remove any container that could hold water - old tires, toys and flowerpots. Anywhere water collects may be a potential breeding place for mosquitoes.

·   Change water every week in birdbaths, wading pools, watering troughs and pet bowls. Fill in puddles.

·   Check gutters to make sure they are clean and are draining.

·   Repair or replace window and door screens to keep bugs out.

·   Keep ponds free of vegetation and stock with fish.

·   Dress appropriately - wear light-colored long sleeves and pants and a hat when you plan to be out at dawn and dusk.

·   Use mosquito repellent and carefully follow directions. Use repellent with DEET and note special directions for young children.

·   Some property owners may want to use larvacide in bodies of water such as ponds. These agents prevent the mosquitoes from hatching.

A website with information from state agencies on West Nile is available at

www.westnile.ky.gov <http://www.westnile.ky.gov/>

Citizens with questions about West Nile can also call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Response Service toll free at (888)-246-2675 (English), (888)246-2857 (Spanish) and (866)874-2646 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 

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