KDHE Reports West Nile Virus Human Cases Now Total 18 in 2006

Third death and two additional cases reported

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced the number of West Nile Virus cases in the state now totals 18. This includes a third West Nile Virus death for the 2006 season, along with two other cases of West Nile Virus. These three latest cases are as follows:

• A resident of south-central Kansas over the age of 65 died from WNV-related encephalitis/meningitis
• A 22 year-old Douglas County resident – onset in early August; not hospitalized
• A 68 year-old Pratt County resident – onset late July; hospitalized

“We were saddened to learn of this latest death from West Nile Virus,” said Howard Rodenberg, M.D., M.P.H., Director of KDHE’s Division of Health. “This unfortunate event shows that West Nile Virus is still a threat to Kansans. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family.”

Health officials emphasize that the risk of people catching the disease from the bite of an infected mosquito is about the same throughout Kansas.

West Nile Virus is spread to people by mosquitoes that first bite an infected bird, but it is not contagious from person to person or directly from birds or other animals. 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 considered immune to it.

“With the wet weather we’ve been having, people should be especially vigilant and cautious to protect themselves from West Nile Virus, because mosquitoes thrive in wet environments,” said Gail Hansen, KDHE State Epidemiologist. D.V.M., M.P.H.

KDHE recommends Kansans take the following actions to protect themselves and family members:

• Use effective insect repellent with DEET or picaridin on skin
• Wear protective clothing when practical (long sleeves and pants)
• Remove standing water (such as in clogged gutters, discarded tires, or unused swimming pools)
• Use larvicide in water that cannot be removed
• Replace water in bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three days
• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

West Nile Virus has also been detected in a mosquito pool in Finney County, and has been confirmed in animals in several counties throughout the state, including two birds in Riley County, a squirrel in Reno County, a horse in Jewell County, a horse in Logan County and a horse in Ottawa County.

Thirty-three other states, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, have reported at least one human case of West Nile Virus to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of August 29. Every state except for Alaska, Hawaii, Maine and the District of Columbia has reported West Nile Virus activity in birds, animals or mosquitoes.

Human cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months. In 2005, KDHE confirmed 25 WNV cases in humans, resulting in one death.

Non-neuroinvasive (WNV fever) cases involve milder symptoms of the illness that may include: fever, headache, rash, general muscle aches and weakness, gastrointestinal signs or inflammation of the lymph nodes. 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.

All WNV cases, neuroinvasive and non-neuroinvasive, should be reported to the health department.

A toll-free educational West Nile Virus Hotline is available. The number is 1-877-228-2287. KDHE also has a Web site at www.kdheks.gov/westnile/ to provide information regarding the disease.

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