Kansas health officials issue 'high-risk warning' for West Nile Virus

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing an urgent alert for people living in certain parts of the state due to the threat posed by West Nile Virus (WNV).

KSNT 27 News reached out to the KDHE on July 16 to learn more about the agency's efforts to monitor the spread of WNV in 2024. Earlier this year the KDHE issued an alert for WNV along with other tick-borne diseases facing Kansans. The KDHE said WNV is making an early appearance in the state, posing a danger to humans, pets and livestock like horses.

KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh told 27 News in a written statement that a "high-risk warning" is currently active in northwest, north central and south central Kansas as of July 12. So far, two positive cases of WNV have been identified in the state in the north east and south west regions this year.

"WNV cases occur every year in Kansas," Bronaugh said. "The concerning trend this year is how early we received reports of WNV. We typically don’t start to have cases reported until late July or early August, however this year two cases were reported with illness onset in May. No additional cases have been reported since that time, but we expect additional cases to be reported from now through October. Historically, the south central region of Kansas has reported the most cases of WNV."

Bronaugh said WNV is typically spread by mosquitoes biting birds. However, mosquitoes with WNV will also bite humans on occasion with a majority of cases, around 80%, not showing any signs or symptoms of infection.

"People at risk for severe illness are those that are greater than 60 years of age, and people with certain medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants," Bronaugh said. "Additionally, WNV is preventable in horses with annual vaccination. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinations to protect horses against WNV."

The KDHE has several recommendations for people to help them avoid being bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV. These include the following:

• Use insect repellents when outdoors that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents such as picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. These repellents, when used correctly, are safe and effective mosquito deterrents, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Cover exposed skin when outside by wearing long sleeves and pants when practical.
• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn as these are times when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside your home.
• Get rid of standing water. These sources can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Refresh water in bird baths, pet bowls and wading pools at least every three days and consider using larvicide in low-lying areas where water can't be removed.

Bronaugh said people who think they may be infected with WNV should speak to a healthcare provider. If you notice symptoms in your horse or other animal, reach out to a veterinarian.

"WNV is not directly contagious from horse to horse, from horse to human, or from human to human," Bronaugh said.

Around one in five people infected with WNV display symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and a rash with fatigue and weakness lasting for weeks or months after the initial infection, according to the CDC. Another one in 150 people may develop a more serious infection resulting in inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis, or inflammation of the membranes which surround the brain and spinal cord, or meningitis.

More information on WNV in Kansas can be found on the KDHE's website by clicking here.

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