KANSAS REPORTS FIRST PROBABLE HUMAN CASE OF
WEST NILE VIRUS IN 2005

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced the state's first probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Douglas County. The 51-year old individual developed symptoms consistent with WNV in mid-May. The case was non-neuroinvasive (WNV fever). Additional identifying information regarding the individual will not be released due to patient confidentiality issues.

"This early reporting of a probable human case reminds us the disease is in Kansas," said Dr. Gail Hansen, Acting State Epidemiologist. "We cannot get rid of West Nile Virus, but we can reduce our chances of becoming infected."

Kansas reported its first 2004 human case in August. The virus is beginning its fourth year in Kansas and sixth nationally.

A probable WNV case is one in which the symptoms are consistent with WNV, but not all of the relevant tests are performed or available. KDHE asks physicians to report WNV cases to the state by calling (877) 427-7317.

Non-neuroinvasive (WNV fever) cases involve milder symptoms of the illness that may include: fever, headache, rash, general muscle aches and weakness, gastrointestinal signs and inflammation of the lymph nodes with no other likely explanation for the symptoms. Since the symptoms are not specific, only special laboratory tests can confirm a diagnosis of WNV.

Neuroinvasive cases (WNV meningitis, WNV encephalitis, and WNV acute flaccid paralysis) involve more extreme symptoms including severe headache, high fever, difficulty walking and/or talking, coma, and even death.

West Nile Virus is primarily a disease of birds, spread by infected mosquitoes to people, but it is not contagious from person to person.

Symptoms range from mild (slight headache and low grade fever) to extreme (neurological disease - swelling of the brain or brain tissue) and in rare cases, death. Most people have no symptoms. Once a person contracts WNV, they are immune to it.

Most healthy people infected with WNV show either no symptoms of illness or only mild symptoms. About 20 percent of those infected show any symptoms, typically seen 3-15 days after the mosquito bite.

To be prepared against WNV, take personal precautions including use of an approved insect repellant, and reducing mosquito breeding grounds.

KDHE recommends the following to reduce the risk of WNV:

• Use an insect repellent on the skin. In addition to those that contain  DEET, the CDC has now determined that repellants containing Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective in repelling mosquitoes. The label directions for all repellants should be closely followed.
• Wear protective clothing when practical
• Remove standing water - where mosquitoes breed (i.e. clogged gutters or unused tires)
• Use larvicide in water that cannot be drained or removed
• Change water every three days in bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools
• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

"Human cases typically appear in late June, then increase through the late summer months and early fall months. As we report this year's first case, Kansans should take precautions now to protect themselves and their families," said KDHE Director of Health, Howard Rodenberg, M.D., M.P.H.

Surveillance Activity Changes:
KDHE has enhanced its surveillance process by increasing the number of mosquito collection and testing sites to 15 this year. Mosquito collections and testing are underway around the state and have proven a more reliable  surveillance tool than dead bird testing in Kansas. Some of the mosquitoes found in Kansas that spread WNV are just as likely to bite a person as they

are to bite a bird or a horse, and additional mosquito testing this year should provide Kansas with better information regarding the spread of the virus in the state. None of the mosquitoes collected so far in Kansas have tested positive for WNV.

Birds will no longer be tested for WNV in Kansas and KDHE will not be collecting information about dead birds. If a dead bird is found, KDHE recommends you wear gloves, place it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

2004 WNV Cases:
In 2004, there were nine confirmed WNV cases of neuroinvasive disease and 37 probable cases of WNV (including both neuroinvasive and non-neuroinvasive cases) reported to KDHE. There were two deaths confirmed to be due to WNV in 2004. Researchers are trying to determine how often WNV, an emerging infectious disease, results in prolonged illness and death.

Rodenberg urged Kansans to protect themselves and reduce mosquito breeding areas rather than waiting for the virus to be reported in their county or a nearby county.

"We should take precautions now regardless of where West Nile Virus is reported, because the fact is, it can be in an area before it is confirmed through test results," Rodenberg stated.

For more information on West Nile Virus, go to www.kdheks.gov/westnile/, or call KDHE's toll-free automated West Nile Virus Information Hotline, (877) 228-2287.

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