Much of Kansas is at ‘high risk’ of West Nile virus. Here’s why and how to stay safe

Keep your distance from mosquitoes if you’re in Kansas in the near future.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued high-risk and moderate warnings for West Nile virus across the state. Johnson and Wyandotte counties, located in the northeast region, are in moderate-risk areas, while Wichita, found in the south-central region, is in a high-risk area.

About half of Kansas is considered high-risk areas because there are a high number of mosquitoes in those regions, and that increases the chances of residents being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, according to the state health department. A moderate risk area means there is a moderate possibility of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

There have only been two reported cases of West Nile virus in Kansas in 2024 so far. There were 66 total cases and four deaths reported in 2023.

No matter what region you live in, here’s what to know about West Nile virus and mosquitoes.

What is West Nile virus?

The West Nile virus causes an illness with flu-like symptoms. Those can include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue.

It’s the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. The virus does not spread from person to person, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , just from mosquito to humans and other mammals.

Around 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other fever-related symptoms, and about 1 out of 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain tissue. In extreme cases, the virus can be fatal.

There is no vaccine or specific medication to treat the virus, but if you’ve had it before, you’re immune to it.

When are mosquitoes the most active?

You are more likely to see a mosquito in the day time through July and September, according to KDHE. They’re most active from dusk to dawn.

Mosquitoes are attracted to water, so remember to empty any standing water that may be sitting there from any rainfall. Clear out water from buckets, old tires, tarps, garden beds, kiddie pools or other spots with rainwater. The KDHE recommends to use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.

How does Kansas determine the risk of West Nile virus?

The Kansas health department determines the risk level based on:

• The temperature, because mosquitoes breed more in hot weather
• The number of mosquitoes in the area
• The number of people infected with West Nile virus historically.

How do I stay safe from mosquitoes and West Nile virus?

The Kansas health department recommends the following prevention measures:

• If you go outside, use insect repellent. Officials recommend using a repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, which includes DEET, picaridin or lemon or eucalyptus oil.

• Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn hours, so keep the insect repellent on you during these hours. People with weakened immune systems should consider limiting how long they’re outside during these times.

• 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, barrels and pet dishes that are left outside. You should also replace the water in your bird baths once a week if you have one.

• Keep the water out of swinging tire holes by drilling holes in them.

• If they’re not in use, keep kiddie pools empty and on their sides.

Check the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s West Nile virus tracker to learn about your community’s current risk level.