Kansas Battles Severe West Nile Virus Surge

Clear Facts

• Kansas health officials are tracking six West Nile virus cases this year, with five considered neuroinvasive and severe.
• Cases are reported in north-central and south-central Kansas, with risk predicted to increase as mosquito activity peaks in late summer.
• Health authorities advise using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and removing standing water to prevent mosquito bites.

Kansas health authorities report that five of the six West Nile virus cases in the state this year are classified as severe neuroinvasive cases. As of August 15, cases have been found in both north-central and south-central parts of Kansas.

According to Jill Bronaugh, a Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokesperson, non-neuroinvasive cases produce mild flu-like symptoms, while neuroinvasive cases are much more dangerous.

“Neuroinvasive cases are those in which there is clinical evidence of involvement of the central nervous system in the disease process,” Bronaugh said.

“These cases are generally more severe and include symptoms such as high fever, inflammation of the brain and/or the tissue surrounding the brain, disorientation, paralysis or muscle weakness, numbness, and vision loss. These cases generally have a longer recovery time and require more extensive medical intervention.”

The current number of cases remains below last year’s total, where 64 infections and four deaths were recorded. However, officials caution that risk rises as mosquito season reaches its peak from August to early September.

Health authorities emphasize that West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, with peak transmission in the summer. Around 2,000 people are diagnosed with the virus in the U.S. each year, though the actual figure may be higher due to under-reporting of mild cases.

The CDC states that symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiffness, disorientation, paralysis, numbness, and vision loss appear two to six days after a mosquito bite. While no specific medicine treats West Nile virus, most people recover fully. The CDC also reports that those infected typically gain lifelong immunity.

Health experts strongly recommend using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water near homes to help decrease the prevalence of mosquitoes.

Stay vigilant and take precautionary measures as mosquito season nears its peak across Kansas.

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