KDHE Confirms Second Human West Nile Virus Case in Kansas for 2003

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) confirmed the second case of West Nile Virus encephalitis in the state this year. The 65 year old is from Sherman County and first had signs of encephalitis and ascending paralysis on 7/24/03. The patient remains hospitalized.

"This is one of those rare times when West Nile Virus resulted in a serious illness," said Deputy State Epidemiologist, Dr. Gail Hansen.” “Even though it doesn’t happen often, it is extremely important that everyone take precautions to avoid mosquitos.”

Evidence of West Nile Virus in animals or mosquitoes has been found in 43 counties so far this year. KDHE has been monitoring birds, mosquitos, and horses in Kansas for the presence of West Nile Virus since May. It was first confirmed this year in a mosquito pool collected May 28 in Crawford County. West Nile Virus was first discovered in Kansas last summer. There were 22 human cases in Kansas in 2002.

"Even if an infected mosquito bites you, your chances of becoming seriously ill are small," said Dr. Hansen. “Nevertheless, we are urging Kansans--particularly older adults and people with compromised immune systems--to take seriously the precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes and to make these precautions a regular part of their daily activities and lifestyles."

KDHE, recommends the following precautions:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET (according to label directions);
• Limit outdoor activities during dawn/dusk when mosquitos are most active;
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors whenever practical;
• Eliminate any stagnant pools of water on your property.
• Repair screens or other areas of your home where mosquitos might enter.

West Nile Virus is primarily considered a disease of birds. It can be transmitted to humans when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human. Usually West Nile Virus only causes mild disease in humans, but in rare cases the virus may cause swelling of the brain (encephalitis), the covering of the brain (meningitis), paralysis, or even death.

Additional information on West Nile Virus may be found at www.entomology.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=711

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