The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a high-risk warning for west nile virus infections for all regions of the state, other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level. The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Twenty-two human cases of WNV have been reported to KDHE in 2023, including three deaths. There have been seven confirmed cases in horses, one in Douglas County.
In a statement, the KDHE says we are right in the middle of the peak time frame for transmission with more widespread activity this year than in the previous several years. They encourage people to take mosquito bite prevention measures to protect themselves. Use insect repellents with “deet”. Limit activities at dawn and dusk, and eliminate sources of standing water, like old tires, clogged gutters, and others.
