KDHE Reports West Nile Virus Human Cases Total 25 as of Oct. 10

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced today that the number of West Nile Virus cases in the state has reached a total of 25 as of October 10. The most recent cases include:

• An adult Barton County resident, who had onset of symptoms in mid-August
• An adult Chase County resident, onset in mid-August
• An adult Cheyenne County resident over the age of 65, onset in late August
• An adult Johnson County resident, onset in late August
• An adult Pawnee County resident, onset in early August
• An adult Rooks County resident over the age of 65, onset in mid-August
• An adult Sedgwick County resident, onset mid-September

“Although the warmer weather is now behind us, West Nile Virus season is not yet considered over,” stated Howard Rodenberg, M.D., M.P.H., Director of KDHE’s Division of Health. “West Nile cases in Kansas are most often seen in late summer or early fall, so it’s important to continue taking precautions.”

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.

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

A West Nile Virus-positive horse has been identified in Harvey County, and a positive mosquito pool has recently been identified in Pottawatomie County. 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.

As of October 10, all but nine states have reported at least one human case of West Nile Virus to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every Midwest state has reported human cases to CDC this year.

In 2005, KDHE confirmed 25 WNV cases in humans, resulting in one death. Three deaths from the virus have been reported in 2006.

Non-neuroinvasive (WNV fever) cases involve milder symptoms of the illness, including: fever, headache, rash, general muscle aches and weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms 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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