Half of Kansas is identified as "high risk" for West Nile virus

This week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections in parts of the state [19659004].

Northeastern, southeastern, and northwestern Kansas are at moderate risk of infection

West Nile virus can be transmitted to people through mosquito bites, but it can is not pbaded from one person to the other. five infected people develop fever and other symptoms. About one in every 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain tissue that in some cases can lead to death.

There are no vaccines or drugs to treat West Nile virus. "Know your risk and take steps to prevent mosquito bites from protecting yourself and your family from West Nile virus," said Dr. Greg Lakin, State Health Officer.

KDHE recommends the following preventative measures:

• Visit the KDHE WNV website each week to find out the current level of risk; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm
• When you are outdoors, use an insect repellent containing an EPA-approved active ingredient on skin and clothing, including including DEET, picaridin, eucalyptus lemon oil, or IR3535. Follow the instructions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn. Make sure to use an insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, or plan to stay indoors during these hours.
• Elderly or debilitated people should consider limiting their exposure to the outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to ward off mosquitoes
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying stagnant water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in the pet dishes and replace the water in the bird baths a week. Drill holes in the tires so that the water runs off. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.
• Horses can also be infected with WNV. Discuss with your vet the vaccination of your horse against WNV

Most WNV infections occur in late summer and early fall

although no WNV cases have been reported to KDHE in 2018, there have been more. more than 600 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999 to 2017.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information about West Nile virus and the prevention of mosquito bites. 2018 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.