Two Additional Human West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed in Kansas for 2003

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has confirmed two more human cases of West Nile Virus encephalitis or meningitis in the state this year. One case involves a 54 year old in Gray County with West Nile Virus meningitis. The individual had the first signs of illness on July 22, but is now out of the hospital and recovering. The other case involves a 2 year old in Ford County with West Nile Virus meningitis. The first signs of illness appeared July 29. These additional cases bring the total confirmed human cases in Kansas this year to four.

Previous confirmed human cases include a 65 year old individual from Sherman County who first had signs of encephalitis and ascending paralysis on July 24. The patient remains hospitalized. A 38 year old from Gray County was the state’s first confirmed case this year, but is out of the hospital. The individual had signs of meningitis with an onset of symptoms July 20.

“West Nile Virus usually causes mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever, and muscle aches, but in rare cases can result in serious illness," said Deputy State Epidemiologist, Dr. Gail Hansen.” “While the severe cases are rare, it is important that we keep in mind that infected mosquitos can bite anyone.”

Evidence of West Nile Virus in animals or mosquitoes has been found in 46 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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