Lots of mosquitoes in area could raise West Nile risk, state says

The state said it found a high number of mosquitoes in Sedgwick County and warns the increase could lead to earlier transmissions of West Nile virus than in previous years.

“This is higher than what’s normally found this early in the season,” said Cassie Sparks, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The state collects mosquitoes in traps set around Sedgwick County and identifies the type of mosquito. The state’s nine traps are all within Sedgwick County and are designed to target members of the Culex genus, which includes the species of mosquitoes that can carry West Nile.

KDHE suspects that the entire state could be have a larger-than-usual mosquito population.

Sparks said state workers haven’t finished counting the recently caught mosquitoes. But once counted, she said, the state would test them for West Nile virus – the only mosquito-borne illness the state currently tests for.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus is not contagious from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including headaches, low-grade fever and swelling of the brain.

West Nile can cause death in rare cases. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

Cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months.

In 2015, 34 cases were identified in Kansas; more than half of these cases resulted in hospitalizations. West Nile virus reached its highest reporting level in 2012 with 57 cases.

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

▪ Use bug lights on patios. The lights emit a yellow light that doesn’t repel mosquitoes but doesn’t attract them, either.

▪ 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.

▪ Use insect repellent, and wear long sleeves and pants if outdoors at dawn and dusk.

▪ Reduce standing water on your property.

To learn about mosquitoes and how to protect yourself, family and pets from bites, visit www.kansas.com/news/local/article70895052.html.

For more information about the state’s mosquito surveillance, visit www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm.

This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 6:21 PM with the headline "Lots of mosquitoes in area could raise West Nile risk, state says."