West Nile Virus cases rise with arrival of 'highest risk month' in Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) are rising in Kansas as risk factors remain high throughout much of the state.

KSNT 27 News checked in with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to learn the latest about where WNV cases stand in the Sunflower State. The department issued a 'high-risk warning' for much of the state back in July and recent indicators show that risk level won't be going down for a while yet.

KDHE spokesman Philip Harris said six cases of WNV, all in humans, have been confirmed in Kansas so far in 2024. While cases are starting to rise, the KDHE isn't monitoring any serious outbreaks of the mosquito-borne virus.

• Northeast Kansas - 2 cases.
• South central Kansas - 2 cases.
• Southwest Kansas - 2 cases.

"There are no specific cases being monitored as part of an outbreak," Harris said. "As case reports and investigations from the local health departments are completed, we do look for evidence of outbreaks or areas experiencing higher than usual transmission."

KDHE officials remain on high alert for WNV as the first two weeks of September, 2024 are where the majority of cases are reported. This peak transmission period has yet to arrive though it is expected that cases will plummet by the first week of October.

"We are currently in the highest risk month for WNV in Kansas," Harris said. "So, as you are enjoying the final month of summer and starting fall activities, continue to be mosquito aware and follow the “3 D’s” of “Dress, Drain, DEET” to protect against WNV and other vector-borne diseases. Dress means to wear light colored, loose fitting clothing and when practical, wear long sleeves and pants. Drain means to drain any standing water around your home. DEET means to use EPA-approved insect repellent that contains DEET."

Harris said current data, such as average temperatures and historical information, show that all regions the KDHE monitors in Kansas, with the exception of the southeast region, are at high-risk for WNV. Risk levels are updated each week on Fridays at noon as mosquito numbers and temperatures change.

"We’d also like to remind Kansans to take mosquito bite precautions when traveling," Harris said. "Each year we have cases of Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and/or Zika virus reported in those who have traveled outside of the country. Additionally, parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean are experiencing a significant outbreak of Oropouche virus, which can be spread by biting midges and mosquitoes. So, remember to dress for protection, drain any standing water and use an EPA-approved insect repellent when traveling!"

You can learn more about how the KDHE monitors WNV cases in Kansas by clicking here. You can also check the CDC's website to learn more about WNV by clicking here.

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