Additional cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Barton County, bringing the numbers to the highest in the state. There have been two neuroinvasive cases and five non-neuroinvasive cases for a total of seven as of Sept. 20.
Barton County has had the only two cases of neuroinvasive West Nile reported in the state so far.
Out of a total of 16 cases state-wide, Barton County has the most reported with seven. Clark, Comanche, Finney, Haskell, Pratt, Republic, Wyandotte counties each have one. Pawnee County has two cases.
Mosquitoes carry the virus, which can cause no symptoms to severe symptoms.
Seventy to 80 percent of people who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
About 1 in 5 people will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
People with milder symptoms typically recover on their own.
Those with serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues) may have permanent problems, according to the CDC.
The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease are also at greater risk for serious illness.
Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurologic effects may be permanent. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die, according to the CDC.
Many have had it and didn’t know it, but it’s wise to take precautions to prevent many mosquito bites, particularly while out mowing the grass or participating in sports activities.
Dress carefully to avoid many mosquito bites. Pants and shirts with long sleeves are particularly important to stay healthy, as well as mosquito spray with DEET at dusk through dawn, when the bugs are most active.
With recent rains, it’s important to empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets, and other places where rainwater can collect.
Most cases occur June through September.