West Nile Virus Program

Sedgwick County > Health Department > Health Protection > West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is an infection that is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. The disease usually only causes a mild illness, but it can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain), meningitis, or in rare cases, death. Throughout mosquito season, the Sedgwick County Health Department traps mosquito specimens in various areas in the county to be tested for West Nile Virus.

Tips for preventing West Nile Virus include:

Reduce Mosquito Breeding

Eliminating standing water in your yard will reduce mosquito breeding. This could include water in old tires, flower pots, abandoned swimming pools, folded tarps, bird baths and non-flowing water gardens and many other items which hold water for a few days.
Treat water in ponds and water gardens. Add larva-eating minnows (such as shiners or tuffies) from a bait shop. Safe products are available which will not harm pets, ornamental fish or plants. Lavicide briquettes are the safest and most effective way to control mosquito breeding in standing water. In 2005, the Health Department distributed over 4,000 larvicide briquettes to individuals and to standing water sites around the county.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET. Choose a product that has less than 33 percent DEET
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, which are the periods when mosquitoes are most active
When outdoors, place netting over infant carriers
Remove any containers or old tires that might hold water

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have found a dead bird, what should I do?

KDHE has stopped collecting and testing dead birds for WNV since last. If you have found a dead bird, wear gloves, place it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

I have a pond/pool of water in my neighborhood or there is standing water in my area and I need to do something about it, what I should do?

Products are available at local hardware/gardening stores under the name of “mosquito dunks.” You can also contact the Health Department at 660-5555 if you have questions about what product you should use.

Do you have anything available that I can get to control mosquitoes around my backyard?

Many mosquito control products are available that you can buy from local hardware/gardening store. These products can be used safely around your backyard and are very effective in controlling mosquito population. If you need more information about these products or need help in selecting a product, please call 660-5555 or ask at your hardware/gardening store.

Is the WNV test available at the Health Department?

If you think that you have WNV symptoms, please contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Your physician will assess your risk for WNV and may order some blood tests for WNV. These test are not available at the Health Department.

How can I get more information?

Call the Sedgwick County Health Department at 660-7348 to speak with an epidemiologist. Click here for our West Nile Virus fact sheet.

For the latest information on prevention and control activities in Kansas, visit the West Nile Virus Surveillance Program website at www.oznet.ksu.edu/westnilevirus.

Other Resources:

West Nile Virus (CDC)