KDHE Home - News 2002 - News Release
Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 13, 2002
Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-5795
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has confirmed a ninth human case of West Nile Virus in the state. The most recent involves a 54 year old Johnson County resident who was hospitalized in Kansas and California for treatment. The onset of symptoms occurred September 19th, but the individual has now recovered. The test results for this patient were confirmed through the University of California - Berkeley.
This is the second case of human West Nile Virus in Johnson County. The earlier case involved a 75 year old with the onset of symptoms on September 16th. Other cases in Kansas this year include: one case in Smith County: a 36 year old with onset of symptoms in mid-September; one case in Pratt County: a 26 year old with onset of symptoms in mid-September; one case in Wyandotte County: a 52 year old with the onset of symptoms on August 12th; three cases in Rice County: a 29 year old with onset of symptoms August 16th, a 58 year old with onset of symptoms on August 15th, and a 72 year old with onset of symptoms on August 28th; and one case in Shawnee County involving a 28 year old with onset of symptoms on August 30th. All of the patients survived.
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), severe muscle weakness, and even death. People more than 50 years old are most susceptible to serious illness as the result of West Nile Virus.
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.