Kansas reports this year 6 West -Nile virus -cases, 5 considered serious
Fox News has reported that health officials in Kansas are closely monitoring six cases of West Nile virus this year, with five of them considered serious. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has identified three cases in North Central Kansas and three more in the South Central region.
According to Jill Bronaugh, a spokesperson for KDHE, five of the six cases have been classified as neuro-invasive. Non-neuroinvasive cases are less serious, with infected individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, neuro-invasive cases are much more severe, with symptoms such as high fever, inflammation of the brain, disorientation, paralysis, muscle weakness, numbness, and loss of eyesight.
Neuro-invasive cases involve clinical evidence of central nervous system involvement, requiring a longer recovery time and more extensive medical intervention. Last year, Kansas reported 64 infections, including four deaths, due to West Nile virus.
KDHE has a West Nile Virus Dashboard that is updated weekly during the surveillance season from July to September. The CDC reports that West Nile virus is typically transmitted through mosquito bites during the summer months, with peak activity occurring from August to early September.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, and numbness. While there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, most infected individuals recover on their own. Health officials advise residents to take precautions when outdoors, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
It is important to stay informed about the risks associated with mosquito-borne illnesses and take necessary steps to protect oneself from potential infections. Stay safe and be proactive in preventing mosquito bites to reduce the spread of West Nile virus.
