KDHE Reports State’s First West Nile Virus Death

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today confirmed the state’s first death from West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the 9th human WNV case of 2003. The individual, a 93 year old from Butler County first had signs of encephalitis, with the onset of symptoms occurring August 10, 2003. The person was hospitalized and died this week. KDHE will not release any additional information about the case due to patient confidentiality issues.

“We extend our condolences to the family suffering this loss,” said KDHE’s State Deputy Epidemiologist Dr. Gail Hansen. “While we had hoped this would not happen in Kansas, we knew it was a possibility when the disease first arrived in the state last year.”

“It is important to keep in mind that the majority of West Nile Virus cases are very mild and your chances of getting severe disease are small,” said Dr. Hansen. “However, those of you over 50 are at a higher risk for serious illness as are those who have other illnesses affecting the immune system.”

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human. Symptoms of West Nile Virus are usually mild including headache, low grade fever, and muscle aches, but in rare cases can result in serious illness causing stiff neck, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), swelling of the covering of the brain (meningitis), paralysis, or death. It is estimated that 1 in 150 persons infected with the West Nile Virus will develop a more severe form of the disease.

“We expected this year to be a more difficult one in terms of the number of West Nile Virus cases based on trends seen in other states where the virus has existed longer,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino. “We continue to urge all Kansans to take the necessary precautions against being bitten by mosquitos and to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitos.”

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.

Previous human cases of WNV in 2003 include:

41 year old in Cloud Co - WNV meningitis - onset of symptoms Aug. 8
79 year old in Pratt Co. - WNV encephalitis - onset Aug. 4
53 year old in Decatur Co. - WNV meningitis - onset July 30
62 year old in Seward Co. - WNV meningitis - onset July 20
54 year old in Gray Co. - WNV meningitis - onset July 22
2 year old in Ford Co. - WNV meningitis - onset of symptoms July 29
65 year old in Sherman Co. - WNV encephalitis, ascending paralysis - onset July 24
38 year old in Gray Co. - WNV meningitis - onset July 20

Evidence of West Nile Virus in animals or mosquitoes has been found in several Kansas 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.

Additional information on West Nile Virus may be found at www.oznet.ksu.edu/westnilevirus/

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