LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said it has found mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in a surveillance trap in the Tyler Park neighborhood and areas of the Highlands surrounding it.

The department said weather permitting, mosquito fogging will take place this week to help prevent infection. No cases of West Nile have been confirmed in Jefferson County so far this year.

People with West Nile show few to no symptoms, LMPHW said, and less than 1% of those infected develop a serious neurologic illness. However, those 60 and older are still at risk for severe disease, while those with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease are at risk of serious illness.

"This is about the time of year when we typically see mosquitoes test positive for West Nile," said Connie Mendel, Louisville's chief health strategist. "No matter what ZIP code you live in, please take precautions to avoid being bitten."

LMPHW offered the following suggestions to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents when outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. 
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when weather permits. 
• Mosquitoes may bite through clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. 
• Take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours of early morning and dusk. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

The department recommended residents empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes and discarded tires regularly to help reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes, as well as installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep them outside.

Residents can check if their area will be fogged by visiting LMPHW's website or calling the mosquito fogging hotline, 502-574-6641. Complaints about mosquitoes can be made by calling Metro311 or dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.