By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) updates its West Nile Virus dashboard each Friday during surveillance season, which is July through September. Though West Nile cases in Kansas remain limited this year, and there have been no reported cases in Barton County, all of Central Kansas is still listed by KDHE in the highest-risk category. Barton County Health Department Nurse Sarah Schridde said there are ways to mitigate those risks.
"There's no vaccine to prevent West Nile so the best way is to protect yourself from mosquito bites," she said. "You can use things like insect repellent with DEET, wear light-colored clothing, and long-sleeved shirts and pants. You can take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors such as emptying standing water."
In 2023, Kansas saw 46 neuroinvasive instances of the virus and 20 non-neuroinvasive cases. Four deaths were recorded statewide. The North Central region that features 18 counties, including Barton, had five total West Nile cases last year and zero deaths. Health Department Nurse Christina Delgadillo said it's important to stay on top of the virus.
"Some of the symptoms that can present can be fevers, as well as headaches, neck stiffness, disorientation, and muscle weakness, but there are several that do not even develop symptoms if they are infected with this," she said.
Just two cases have been confirmed in Kansas as of last week. Anyone who believes they may have West Nile Virus can consult their physician, who may diagnose the virus based on signs or symptoms or confirm the virus with a blood or spinal fluid test. Confirmed cases are updated on KDHE's West Nile dashboard weekly.