Month: August 2014

First case of West Nile virus reported

Kansas has its first reported case of West Nile virus this year, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

An adult from Republic County, in north central Kansas, tested positive for West Nile virus.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person, state health officials said.

Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and in rare cases, death. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

KDHE recommended to protect against West Nile virus:

• 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.
• 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.

West Nile virus cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months.

In 2013, there were 92 cases of West Nile virus in Kansas, state officials said.

In addition to tracking cases of human illnesses caused by West Nile virus, KDHE assesses the potential for West Nile virus by conducting limited mosquito surveillance, including laboratory testing. At this time, there has not been a positive mosquito sample in Kansas.

Kansas City, Kan., police reports

Aug. 11
Theft, 8100 block of Parallel Parkway, shoplifting, store, two bath towels, three hand towels, six wash cloths, $33 value.
Burglary, from motor vehicle, 3500 block of North 77th, handicap placard, CD holder, 10 CDs, $154 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 10800 block of Parallel Parkway, shop, door and glass damage, $1,000, cash stolen, $200.
Burglary, 5100 block of Locust Avenue, refrigerator, $1,000 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 2000 block of Springfield Boulevard, six televisions, three game systems, window screen, $3,375 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 800 block of Tauromee, door, lawn mower, $200 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 600 block of Nebraska, clothes, video game system, 12 pairs of shoes, $3,100 value.
Theft, 2800 block of South 48th, trailer, push mower, riding mower, $4,400 value.
Theft, criminal damage, 200 block of South Mill, air conditioner, copper , $1,700 value.
Theft, 900 block of Washington Boulevard, Dodge Intrepid, $2,500 value.

Aug. 10
Burglary, criminal damage, 1100 block of North 34th, side window, $150 value.
Burglary, 700 block of South 71st Terrace, video game, computer, 20 hats, $950 value.
Burglary, auto, criminal damage, 7300 block of Sloan, window, $500 value.
Burglary, from motor vehicle, 500 block of River Park Drive, flashlight, gas card, $25 value.
Forgery, theft, 2800 block of North 38th, vehicle, cash, $1,000.
Theft, 6800 block of Inland Drive, vehicle, $1,000 value.

Aug. 9
Theft, 1100 block of Pawnee Avenue, auto business, four wheels and tires, six car stereos, four truck tires, $1,000 value.
Theft, from motor vehicle, 3000 block of South 24th, auto parts, $1,020 value.