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Future of Zika Virus in Kentucky Hard to Predict

Mr.Smith Chetanachan, 123rf Stock Photo

In the wake of Lexington’s first Zika virus case in an infant, health officials continue to stress ways to fend off further cases in the area. 

Fayette County’s Health Commissioner admits it’s hard to predict the number of future infections.

More than 1,400 cases of Zika virus have now been reported nationwide.  All have been determined to be travel related and not through local transmission. 

Fayette County Health Commissioner Kraig Humbaugh says infection through mosquito bites is likely to be seen first in the Deep South.  He says transmission is expected to move toward Kentucky. 

“We think it’s probably less likely to happen during this mosquito season, but we have to be prepared for the possibility of it happening this mosquito season,” said Humbaugh.

While health department spraying continues this summer, Humbaugh says the more effective way to reduce any mosquito threat is to eliminate standing water around the home.?

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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