Louisville man, 73, first this year to die from West Nile virus; officials remind Kentuckians to wear bug repellent when outside

State health officials have confirmed that a 73-year-old Louisville man died from the West Nile Virus during the week ended Sept. 17.

Beth Fisher, spokeswoman for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told The Courier- Journal that this is the first death from West Nile reported in the state this year.

Symptoms of the virus may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the virus.

The CDC says people over 60 are at the greatest risk for a severe infection. In a separate article, The Courier-Journal notes that people with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease, and anyone who’s had an organ transplant also are at greater risk.

Health officials advise people to wear bug repellent and protective clothing outdoors and to stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.