Great Bend Post
Several inches of rain fell across Kansas during the final half of July. The standing water and increased heat have created ideal conditions for mosquito populations. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has put the entire state under a "high risk" warning for West Nile Virus.
As of July 25, two neuroinvasive cases of the virus have been found in Kansas, with one case in North-Central Kansas and the other in South-Central Kansas.
From KDHE
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Kansas and the United States. Several species of mosquitoes are responsible for transmission of arboviruses, but Culex species are the primary vector in Kansas and the United States. The risk of acquiring WNV infection depends on various factors including:
- Time of year
- Number and location of infected mosquitoes
- Number of days with sufficient heat
Warm temperatures increase the rate of mosquito larvae development, which increases the mosquito population size. The risk of WNV transmission is lower in the spring, but rises through the early and midsummer months, and usually reaches peak transmission during July, August, and September.
High Risk Week
High risk means that you are at a high risk of being bitten by a mosquito that could be carrying West Nile, based on a high number of mosquitoes identified and a high number of historical human cases. Do the following to prevent mosquito bites:
People over 50 or people who are immunocompromised may want to adjust outdoor activity to avoid peak mosquito hours, which is from dusk to dawn.
- Wear mosquito repellent
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when weather permits
- Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens
- Dump standing water twice weekly
Drain Standing Water
Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes live and breed.
- Empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets, and other places where rainwater collects. Use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.
- Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three days.