Kansas health officials are closely monitoring a total of six cases of West Nile virus this year, with five classified as serious. As of August 15, 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reported that three cases are located in the north-central region of the state and three in the south-central area. Of these, five cases are classified as neuroinvasive, indicating a more severe form of the illness.
Jill Bronaugh, a spokesperson for the KDHE, explained that non-neuroinvasive cases present milder symptoms, similar to those of the flu. In contrast, neuroinvasive cases demonstrate a significant impact on the central nervous system. “Neuroinvasive cases are those in which there is clinical evidence of involvement of the central nervous system in the disease process,” said Bronaugh. Patients with this more severe form may experience high fever, brain inflammation, disorientation, paralysis, muscle weakness, numbness, and even vision loss. These cases typically require more extensive medical intervention and have a longer recovery time.
According to KDHE data, the current number of cases remains below the totals recorded last year, which included 64 infections and four fatalities. Nonetheless, health officials caution that the risk of infection could increase as mosquito activity reaches its peak in late summer. The KDHE has implemented a West Nile virus dashboard that is updated weekly, providing the public with timely information during the surveillance season, which runs from July through September.
The risks associated with West Nile virus are further underscored by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which indicates that the virus is primarily transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. The CDC notes that the peak period for mosquito-borne illnesses typically occurs from August to early September. Annually, around 2,000 cases of West Nile virus are diagnosed in the United States, though these figures may be underreported due to the mild nature of some symptoms.
Symptoms of West Nile virus generally appear between two to six days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Typical indicators include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. Unfortunately, there is no specific medication available to treat the virus. However, most individuals who become infected do recover, and the CDC suggests that those infected often develop lifelong immunity against the disease.
In light of the ongoing threat, health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. Recommendations include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and eliminating standing water near homes to reduce potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.
As Kansas navigates the peak of mosquito season, vigilance and preventive measures are essential to managing the risk of West Nile virus infections.
