Half of Kansas identified as high risk for West Nile VirusOPEKA, Kan. (KWCH)
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a
high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for northcentral,
southcentral, and southwest Kansas. Northeast, southeast, and northwest
Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections.
West Nile virus can be spread to people through mosquito
bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About one in five
people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one
out of 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain
tissue, that in some cases, can result in death. There are no vaccines
or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are
considered immune.
“Know your risk and take action to prevent
mosquito bites to protect yourself and your family against West Nile
virus”, said Dr. Greg Lakin, State Health Officer.”
KDHE recommends the following prevention measures:
- When
you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered
active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil
of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many
mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect
repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times, or consider
staying indoors during these hours.
- The elderly or those
with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure
outside during dusk and dawn, when the Culex species mosquitos are most
active.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get
rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower
pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace
the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water
drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when
they aren't being used.
Source: http://www.kwch.com/content/news/Half-of-Kansas-Identified-as-High-Risk-for-West-Nile-Virus-488801191.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.kwch.com/content/news/Half-of-Kansas-Identified-as-High-Risk-for-West-Nile-Virus-488801191.html
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