KDHE Reports State’s Second West Nile Virus Death
Five Additional Meningitis /Encephalitis/Acute Flaccid Paralysis Cases Also Confirmed

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today confirmed the state’s second death from West Nile Virus (WNV). The individual, a 91 year old from Sedgwick County first had signs of encephalitis, with the onset of symptoms occurring September 15, 2003. The person was hospitalized and died at the end of September. KDHE will not release any additional information about the case due to patient confidentiality issues.

In addition, KDHE is announcing that five additional cases of WNV encephalitis/meningitis/acute flaccid paralysis have been confirmed at the state laboratory in Topeka, bringing the reported, confirmed total to 67. Each of these individuals is expected to recover. They include:

• 51 year old in Pottawatomie Co. - onset 9/3/03
• 47 year old in Reno Co. - WNV - onset 8/31/03
• 51 year old in Saline Co. - WNV - onset 8/26/03
• 25 year old in Sherman Co. - WNV - onset 9/4/03
• 75 year old in Washington Co. - WNV - onset 8/24/03

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family suffering this loss,” said KDHE’s State Deputy Epidemiologist Dr. Gail Hansen.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human. Symptoms of West Nile Virus can include headache, low-grade fever, and muscle aches, but in rare cases can result in serious illness causing 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.

KDHE recommends that everyone in Kansas take the following precautions to reduce their risk of contracting WNV:

• 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.

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

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