Community Health News

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Mpox (monkeypox) Outbreak

For more information, check out the SCHD fact sheet and the CDC website.

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (also known as the flu) has been reported in Sedgwick County. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death.

What to do when you are sick.

Most people who get sick with the flu will have mild illness and will recover in less than two weeks.

How to protect yourself, your family and others from the flu.

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year! This year’s flu shot protects against two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B. Flu can cause serious illness and even death, especially in older adults and in people with underlying medical conditions. Studies show an annual flu shot reduces the risk of flu illness by 40-60% in years when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses.

The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) Clinic at 2716 W. Central provides no-cost flu shots to uninsured adults, uninsured children and children with CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and Medicaid/KanCare (Aetna Better Health, Sunflower and United Healthcare). Uninsured adults and children receive the flu shot at no-cost; children with CHIP or Medicaid/KanCare have no co-pay. Flu shots are by appointment only, call 316-660-7300 to schedule.

References:

CDC-Influenza

SCHD-Influenza Fact Sheet

SCHD-Cold vs Flu Fact Sheet

High Risk of West Nile Virus Activity in South Central Kansas, Including Sedgwick County

On July 15, 2022, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus (WNV) infections for south central Kansas, including Sedgwick County. This means there is a high risk that a mosquito bite may contain WNV. The risk is based on the number of Culex species mosquitoes identified, the number of human cases of WNV at this time in previous years, and environmental conditions including above-normal temperatures. Visit the KDHE WNV website for weekly updates on the current WNV risk level in Sedgwick County and other parts of the state.

Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall; so far there are no reported cases of WNV in Kansas in 2022. West Nile virus spreads to people through mosquito bites. The Culex species mosquitoes are the primary vector for WNV in the United States.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus by following the 3 D's: Drain, Dress, and DEET. 

Mosquito surveillance in Sedgwick County began on June 27 and will continue through mid-October 2022. During the most recent week of mosquito surveillance, 37% of mosquitoes trapped were Culex species mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus. During this time, the level of mosquitoes is about the same as 2021.

No-cost mosquito dunks are available at the Sedgwick County Health Department. Call 316-660-7300 for more information.

See KDHE’s press release for more information on the high-risk warning.

Notifiable Disease Investigations

Read about the epidemiology (disease investigation) program at the Sedgwick County Health Department

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