Area counties are in an elevated risk for West Nile virus, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
KDHE issued a high-risk warning for infections in north-central, south central, northeast and southeast Kansas. Lyon, Chase, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties are in the northeast region. Coffey and Greenwood counties are in the southeast region.
Regions further west are at moderate risk.
West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States, according to KDHE. It’s spread to people through mosquito bites, although infected people can’t transmit the disease to other people.
About 20 percent of infected people develop symptoms like fever. Roughly one in 150 infected people get swelling of the brain or brain tissue. Death is rare but possible. There are no vaccines or medications against West Nile, but people who have had the virus are considered immune.
So far, there have not been any infections in Kansas this year, but most infections happen in the late summer and early fall. Most mosquitoes are active at dusk and dawn, so residents need to wear insect repellent, long sleeves and pants at those times of day. Residents who are elderly or have a weakened immune system should consider limiting their outside exposure. Other steps:
*Residents should get rid of mosquito breeding sites by dumping any standing water from flower pots, buckets or barrels.
*Pet water and bird bath water should be changed frequently.
*Tire swings should have holes drilled so water drains out.
*Wading pools for children should be empty if not in use.
