Kansas health officials say one person is dead and several others are infected with West Nile Virus. The KDHE says they have recorded 12 cases of the virus so far this year, one, who died. West Nile Virus, is carried by mosquitoes, has around a 10% fatality rate. Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus is a severe form of the virus that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of infection. Symptoms include inflammation of the brain, high fever, numbness, vision loss, paralysis and muscle weakness. Symptoms usually appear anywhere between 2 and 14 days after infection with the vast majority of people not realizing they are infected.
The KDHE reports that all regions of Kansas are considered to be at “moderate” risk of west Nile except for the north-central area, which is in the “high” risk category. You can learn more about the dangers associated with West Nile Virus and where cases are being reported on the KDHE’s website.
WNV, typically carried by mosquitoes, has around a 10% fatality rate among those infected with neuroinvasive cases and can cause permanent neurological damage for survivors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms usually appear anywhere between 2 and 14 days after infection with the vast majority of people not realizing they are infected.
Data from the KDHE shows that only the northwest and southwest parts of the state have yet to confirm a WNV case so far in 2025. Infections are being reported in the following regions:
The kKDHE reports that all regions of Kansas are considered to be at “moderate” risk of WNV except for the north-central area which is in the “high” risk category as of September 5th. You can learn more about the dangers associated with WNV and where cases are being reported by heading to the KDHE’s website.
