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LAWRENCE -- Researchers at the University of Kansas have not found any confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus in Kansas so far. However, they say it is only a matter of time before the state confirms its first case of the potentially deadly disease.
"It's possible that the virus occurs in some parts of the state, and we expect if it's not here yet, it will be soon," said Oliver Komar, graduate research fellow in the division of ornithology at KU's Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center. "The state authorities expect it will be found this summer."
Several cases of the virus already have been confirmed in neighboring states: Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.
The West Nile Virus can cause serious illness in humans and has caused several deaths since it first was detected in the United States in 1999. The virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes.
While it is still unknown whether the virus actually has spread to Kansas, KU researchers urge people to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites. These measures include:
• Use mosquito repellant containing DEET according to label instructions.
• Avoid the outdoors during dusk and dawn hours, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Eliminate standing water in your yard where mosquitoes breed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, surveillance of dead birds may be the best way to detect the presence of the virus in new regions.
Since last October, researchers in KU's Natural History Museum have asked Kansas residents to notify them of any sightings of dead birds, and the researchers have worked with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the West Nile Dead Bird Surveillance project at Kansas State University to monitor mortality events in bird populations.
"People do not need to be overly concerned, but they should take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and that's especially important for people who are immune-deficient, such as the elderly," Komar said
To report a sighting of dead birds, e-mail Town Peterson, curator of birds at the KU Natural History Museum (town@ku.edu), or call the Kansas State University West Nile Virus hotline at (866) 452-7810.
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