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West Nile Virus Risk High Across Kansas. Here's What You Need to Know.



If you've noticed more mosquitoes buzzing around this summer, you're not imagining it. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) says Kansans are currently at a HIGH risk of being bitten by mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus.


While most mosquito bites are nothing more than an itchy annoyance, West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in both Kansas and the United States. Fortunately, most people who become infected never know they had it. However, for a small percentage of people, the illness can become very serious.


A Brief History of West Nile Virus

West Nile virus was first identified in Uganda in 1937 and was largely unknown in the United States until 1999, when it appeared in New York City. Since then, it has spread across the continental U.S. and is now considered an annual summertime health concern.

The virus circulates primarily between birds and mosquitoes. Humans and horses can become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito, but they do not spread the virus to other people.


Since West Nile virus arrived in the United States, more than 70,000 human cases have been reported nationwide, including thousands of severe neurological illnesses. Kansas has reported more than 800 human cases since surveillance began in 1999.



West Nile Virus Risk Level by Region from Kansas Department of Health and Environment website
West Nile Virus Risk Level by Region from Kansas Department of Health and Environment website

Why the Risk Is Higher Right Now

West Nile virus activity typically increases during the hottest part of the summer. July, August and September are generally the months with the highest risk as warm temperatures help mosquito populations grow and allow the virus to multiply more quickly inside mosquitoes.


KDHE updates its statewide risk assessment every Friday during mosquito season, and the current assessment shows much of Kansas at a high risk level for exposure.

Nationally, health officials have also noted an active start to the 2026 West Nile season, with mosquito activity being reported in many states. While reporting delays mean official case counts continue to change throughout the summer, health officials say the virus is already circulating in multiple parts of the country.


What Are the Symptoms?

About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms.


Around 1 in 5 people may experience:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Body aches

  • Fatigue

  • Skin rash

  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea


Less than 1 percent of infected people develop severe illness affecting the brain or nervous system. This can include:

  • High fever

  • Neck stiffness

  • Confusion

  • Muscle weakness

  • Tremors

  • Vision problems

  • Paralysis


Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for severe illness.


From Kansas Department of Health and Environment
From Kansas Department of Health and Environment


The Three D's of Mosquito Prevention

KDHE recommends following the "Three D's" to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.


Dress

  • Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing.

  • Avoid spending time outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

  • Keep window and door screens in good repair.

Drain

Mosquitoes only need a small amount of standing water to breed.

  • Empty buckets, flower pots, tires and toys.

  • Refresh bird baths and pet water bowls every few days.

  • Clean clogged gutters.

  • Keep wading pools empty when not in use.

  • Remove or treat standing water around your home.

DEET

  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or another recommended active ingredient.

  • Treat clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin when appropriate.

  • Keep insect repellents safely out of children's reach.


Stay Aware This Summer

Mosquitoes are simply part of summer in northwest Kansas, but a few simple precautions can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick. Whether you're working in the field, enjoying the lake, camping, attending the county fair or cheering on local sports, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy.


You can stay up to date on West Nile virus activity throughout mosquito season by checking the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's weekly West Nile Virus Risk Map and Data Dashboard. The risk assessment is updated every Friday from June through October and allows you to see current risk levels across Kansas. Visit https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1519/West-Nile-Virus for the weekly risk map or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1937/West-Nile-Virus-Data for the interactive dashboard and additional surveillance information.

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