Politics & Government
City Of Louisville: Ticks Carrying Bacteria That Cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Found In Two Louisville ZIP Codes
See the latest announcement from the City of Louisville.
September 17, 2021
Call the LOU HEALTH helpline 502-912-8598.
Find out what's happening in Louisvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – (September 17, 2021) The Department of Public Health and Wellness has found ticks infected with Rickettsia bacteria, the causal agent for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSP), in two Louisville ZIP code areas: 40229 and 40223.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – (September 17, 2021) The Department of Public Health and Wellness has found ticks infected with Rickettsia bacteria, the causal agent for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSP), in two Louisville ZIP code areas: 40229 and 40223. (September 17, 2021)
Find out what's happening in Louisvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rickettsia ricketsii is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic.
Rickettsia ricketsii is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic.
The bacteria were found in local Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), which have only recently been discovered to carry the bacteria. The adult female is distinguished by a white dot or “lone star” on her back. The nymph and adult females most frequently bite humans.
The bacteria were found in local Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), which have only recently been discovered to carry the bacteria. The adult female is distinguished by a white dot or “lone star” on her back. The nymph and adult females most frequently bite humans.
The greatest risk of being bitten exists in early spring through late fall.
The greatest risk of being bitten exists in early spring through late fall.
The Department of Public Health and Wellness advises people to take the following precautions:
The Department of Public Health and Wellness advises people to take the following precautions:
Avoid Tick Bites
Avoid Tick Bites
Before you go outdoors:
Know where to expect ticks.
Treat clothing and gear permethrin
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents
Avoid contact with ticks
After you come indoors:
Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium-temperature water will not kill ticks.
Check your clothing for ticks.
Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and daypacks.
Examine gear and pets.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Shower soon after being outdoors.
Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full-body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:
Check your body for ticks after being outdoors
No human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been reported in Louisville so far this year. There was one confirmed case in 2020 and one in 2018.
Enter required fields
How do you want to be reminded? (Street Sweeping requires at least an email)
Reminders are sent on the Sunday before and the Friday of your Junk Set Out date.
* is required. By subscribing to this reminder service you agree to the Terms of Use.
To unsubscribe go to Gov Delivery.
Enter your address and MyLouisville will find nearby city services in the following categories:
Find your garbage, recycling, yard waste and large-item set-out dates.
Sign up for large-item set out and street sweeping reminders by email and text!
No form has been selected.
Popular Pages
Popular Tools
This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
