New warning about West Nile virus

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for all regions of the state other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level. WNV is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Twenty-two human cases of WNV have been reported to KDHE in 2023, including 17 neuroinvasive cases and three deaths. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat WNV in humans. Treatment consists of supportive care.