Several regions of Kansas are at a high risk for West Nile Virus, KDHE says

Kansans who enjoy being outside should take extra precaution against mosquitoes right now.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus in several parts of the state, including the Wichita area. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States.

The warning was issued for north-central, south-central, northeast and southeast Kansas. Northwest and southwest Kansas are at moderate risk.

The KDHE says that West Nile virus is not spread from person to person. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one in 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain tissue; in some cases, the disease is deadly. Those who have had the virus before are considered immune.

Symptoms of infection include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and skin rash. There are no medications or vaccines to treat West Nile.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. To reduce the chance of a mosquito bite:

• Use insect repellent, and wear long sleeves and pants if outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Use floor fans on patios to provide a stiff breeze. Mosquitoes have a difficult time flying through and against wind. The fan also dissipates odors that attract mosquitoes.
• Make sure home windows are screened, doors are properly sealed and vents are properly shut to keep mosquitoes from getting inside. Screens can be repaired with silicone caulk or screen patches and doors with weather-stripping.
• Empty standing water on your property, such as in flower pots, buckets and barrels, to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

For questions about the virus, call the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

Contributing: Eagle archives