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First West Nile Case of the Year Found Locally

By Neil Wieland

08/09/2013

An Atchison adult has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Thursday saying it's the first reported case in the state this year.

The individual’s name has not been released.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person. Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and in rare cases, death.

People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

KDHE recommends that when you are outdoors you use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET.

West Nile virus cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months. In 2012, there were 57 cases of West Nile virus in Kansas.

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