TOPEKA — There has at least one death in Kansas because of the West Nile Virus, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said. The KDHE said there are five confirmed cases and 14 likely cases of West Nile Virus. Most cases are in central and southern Kansas but the nearest case was reported in Douglas County. There are more more than 1,100 cases of the mosquito-borne disease in 47 states, with 41 deaths, half in Texas. Besides being lethal, the disease can also cause permanent brain damage. People who are 50 or older appear to have the greatest risk from the deadly virus, said Dr. Richard Besser, ABC’s chief medical editor. ”For that severe disease, the virus has to cross over something called the blood brain barrier which is designed to keep infections out,” Besser said. “We don’t know for people over 50 if it’s just getting through easier or if their immune system isn’t fighting it off. But those people as well as people with high blood pressure or heart disease are at more risk for this severe disease.” KDHE secretary and state health officer Dr. Robert Moser said he expects the number of cases to increase. Whenever you’re outside, especially at dawn or dusk, you should use insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as Deet, picaridin, oil of lemon or eucalyptus, or IR3535, said Dr. Robert Moser, KDHE secretary and state health officer. Also, get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels, changing the water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly, and drill ingholes in tire swings so water drains out, he said.
Monday, Aug. 27, 3 p.m.
