The Green River District Health Department is urging residents to take precautions after two confirmed cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) were reported in Daviess County this year. A third case was also reported in Henderson County.
Statewide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed six cases in 2025.
According to a release from GRDHD, 12 cases of WNV have been reported in the Green River District since 2003, including three from 2020–24 and three already this year. Kentucky averages about 12 cases annually, with a record 23 in 2012, per the release.
Officials noted that West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which contract the virus after feeding on birds carrying it. Most human cases occur in summer and fall when mosquitoes are most active, the release says.
According to the release, many people infected with WNV show no symptoms or only mild illness. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. People over 50 and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for serious illness, officials said.
The best protection against West Nile Virus is avoiding mosquito bites. Health officials recommend residents:
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths regularly
- Use insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants outdoors
- Limit outdoor time between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Install or repair window and door screens, or use air conditioning
According to the release, there are currently no vaccines or specific treatments for WNV. Officials said most people recover on their own, though symptoms may last for weeks; severe cases may require hospitalization. Anyone who suspects they may have WNV should contact a healthcare provider.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/westnile. For current case counts, visit the CDC’s West Nile Virus data page.
