The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a bird in Sedgwick County. This is the first confirmed WNV activity in 2004.
WNV is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitoes that bite the infected birds, which then transmit it to horses and people.
"Every Kansan should take precautions against West Nile Virus because we know the virus is in the state and will be here throughout the summer," said Gail Hansen, Acting State Epidemiologist. “While some people are more at risk than others, we have no way of knowing how our body will respond to WNV, and for some individuals it can be an extremely difficult illness, with long-lasting side effects, and in rare cases can lead to death.”
Hansen urged Kansans to focus on protecting themselves by being prepared, not scared of the virus. The best way to be prepared includes personal precautions such as use of an insect repellant with DEET, and reducing mosquito breeding grounds. She urged Kansans not to wait for the virus to be reported in their county to take action.
"We cannot wait until the virus is found in the area where we live before taking precautions against WNV," Hansen added. "We must act responsibly and protect ourselves and our families every day through simple actions that reduce our likelihood of getting bitten by a mosquito and reduce mosquito breeding grounds."
There have been no human cases reported to KDHE this season, either through the state laboratory or through positive lab results from private laboratories in the state. KDHE reminds physicians to report West Nile Virus (WNV) cases with neuro-invasive disease to the state. Physicians may call KDHE's Epidemiology hotline to report cases of West Nile Virus or suspect cases at 1-877-427-7317.
KDHE recommends the following to reduce the risk of WNV: