KDHE Home - News 2002 - News Release
Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 10, 2002
Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-5795
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has confirmed five human cases of West Nile Virus. These are the first confirmed human cases in Kansas. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notified KDHE of three positive cases in Rice County, one in Shawnee County, and one in Wyandotte County. All of the patients survived.
Rice County Cases:
29 year old with onset of symptoms August 16
58 year old with onset of symptoms August 15
72 year old with onset of symptoms August 28
Shawnee County Case:
28 year old with onset of symptoms August 30
Wyandotte County
52 year old with onset of symptoms August 12
While the human specimens were sent to the Centers for Disease Control several weeks ago, CDC is testing specimens from all across the U.S., and it takes several weeks to get the results back. Therefore, it's important to note, this is not an outbreak because the patients were sick at different times and in different locations.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human. It cannot be transmitted from person to person, except in rare cases involving organ transplants and blood transfusions. The illness may cause flu-like symptoms in humans, such as headache, swollen glands, and muscle aches, as well as a rash. Usually West Nile Virus only causes mild disease in humans, but in rare cases the virus may cause swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and even death. People more than 50 years old are most susceptible to serious illness as the result of West Nile Virus.
"We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the patients, but we want to make certain that the public doesn't panic over these findings," said Dr. Gail Hansen, Kansas State Public Health Veterinarian. "West Nile Virus rarely causes illness and disease in humans, but it is obviously possible."
Kansas Physicians have been aware of the likelihood of human cases of West Nile Virus this year in the state and have been working with KDHE.
"We appreciate the efforts of physicians in recognizing cases, reporting to KDHE, and submitting samples for confirmation by CDC," said Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, State Epidemiologist.
"We are urging Kansans--particularly older adults and people with compromised immune systems - to take simple precautions to reduce their risk," Dr. Hansen said. "That human cases were confirmed in Kansas really comes as no surprise since it's been found in animals and mosquitoes. Even if you're bitten by an infected mosquito, your chances of becoming seriously ill are small."
Because it is late in the mosquito season and the weather is becoming cooler, mosquito populations are declining, reducing the risk to humans for mosquito-borne disease.
"We are getting very close to the time of year when mosquitos aren't a problem in Kansas: without mosquitos, the virus doesn't spread," Dr. Hansen noted. "We plan to continue the surveillance for West Nile Virus throughout the state."
Mosquito control and protection is the best defense against West Nile Virus. KDHE recommends avoiding mosquito contact by wearing long sleeves and pants and using a repellent containing DEET as labeled. Outdoor activities in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, should be avoided. People should check around their homes and empty any containers holding water such as tires, birdbaths, pool covers, and buckets to minimize mosquito egg laying habitats.
West Nile Virus has been confirmed in birds, horses, mules, or mosquito pools
in 98 counties with the newest addition of Chautauqua County. This involved
a horse and brings the total number of horses affected by West Nile Virus in
Kansas to 530.
NEWS CONFERENCE
Today (October 10)
1pm
Curtis Building, Suite 590 Conference Room
1000 S.W. Jackson, Topeka