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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the entire state is now at high risk for West Nile infections.In its surveillance and transmission risk report from July 27, the KDHE said the southwest and north-central and north-east reporting regions were upgraded from moderate to high risks. Other areas in Kansas were already at high risks in previous reports.There had been no reports of human infection reported as of July 20, KDHE said.The KDHE says West Nile is spread through mosquito bites, not person-to-person. Around one out of every five people infected will develop a fever and other symptoms, and roughly one out of every 150 cases will develop a more severe version of the disease, known as neuroinvasive disease.The neuroinvasive disease can cause swelling of the brain or brain tissue, and in some cases, death.Currently, there are no vaccines or medications available to treat West Nile Virus, although people who have had it before are considered immune.“Although for most people West Nile virus may not cause a great deal of concern, we encourage residents, especially our vulnerable populations, to take steps to prevent infection because of the potential for complications,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, chief medical officer of KDHE.ORIGINAL STORYThe Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the entire state has at least a moderate for risk for West Nile virus infections and the eastern two-thirds of the state is at high risk.In its surveillance and transmission risk report from July 13, the KDHE said recent flooding throughout the state would cause an increase in the mosquito populations over the next several weeks.“An increase in temperatures means it will take less time for mosquitoes to mature from eggs to biting adults,” the report said. “We expect an increase in the risk of West Nile virus transmission over the next several weeks.”Even though the risk has increased, KDHE said that as of last week there were no reports of cases of the West Nile virus reported in humans.The KDHE says West Nile is spread through mosquito bites, not person-to-person. Around one out of every five people infected will develop a fever and other symptoms, and roughly one out of every 150 cases will develop a more severe version of the disease, known as neuroinvasive disease.The neuroinvasive disease can cause swelling of the brain or brain tissue, and in some cases, death.Currently, there are no vaccines or medications available to treat West Nile Virus, although people who have had it before are considered immune.“Although for most people West Nile virus may not cause a great deal of concern, we encourage residents, especially our vulnerable populations, to take steps to prevent infection because of the potential for complications,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, chief medical officer of KDHE.