Neurological virus kills one in Kansas, infects others: KDHE

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas health officials say one person is dead and several others are infected with a disease that can cause neurological problems.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reporting as of Sept. 5 that it has recorded 12 cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Sunflower State so far this year. The health agency is also reporting that one person is dead as a result of the virus.

Eleven of the reported cases of WNV infection are classified as neuroinvasive while one is considered non-neuroinvasive, according to the KDHE. Non-neuroinvasive cases are considered less severe when compared to neuroinvasive cases which can cause symptoms like inflammation of the brain, high fever, numbness, vision loss, paralysis and muscle weakness.

WNV, typically carried by mosquitos, has around a 10% fatality rate among those infected with neuroinvasive cases and can cause permanent neurological damage for survivors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms usually appear anywhere between two and 14 days after infection with the vast majority of people not realizing they are infected.

Data from the KDHE shows that only the northwest and southwest parts of the state have yet to confirm a WNV case so far in 2025. Infections are being reported in the following regions:

• North-central Kansas.
  • Neuroinvasive cases – four.
  • Non-neuroinvasive cases – none.
  • Deaths – one.
• South-central Kansas.
  • Neuroinvasive cases – four.
  • Non-neuroinvasive cases – one.
  • Deaths – none.
• Southeast Kansas.
  • Neuroinvasive cases – two.
  • Non-neuroinvasive cases – none.
  • Deaths – none.
• Northeast Kansas.
  • Neuroinvasive cases – one.
  • Non-neuroinvasive cases – none.
  • Deaths – none.

The KDHE reports that all regions of Kansas are considered to be at “moderate” risk of WNV except for the north-central area which is in the “high” risk category as of Sept. 5. You can learn more about the dangers associated with WNV and where cases are being reported by heading to the KDHE’s website.

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