Ness County Health Department

08/04/2026

🦟Kansans are currently at HIGH risk of being bitten by West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes. Most people don't develop any symptoms, but when they do symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, rash, vomiting and diarrhea, to severe illness. Some people develop neurological infection, causing brain damage and even death. Each year, dozens of Kansans develop neuroinvasive West Nile virus disease. Preventing mosquito bites prevents disease.

🟠DRESS: Wear long sleeved, loose-fitting shirts and pants. Avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn. Keep window and door screens in good repair. Use mosquito netting on strollers and playpens.
🟠DRAIN: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Eliminate mosquito breeding habitats by tipping and tossing standing water at least twice a week. Empty water from buckets, tires, tarps, toys and other containers. Refresh bird baths and pet water bowls every three days. Keep wading pools empty when not in use and drill drainage holes on tire swings. Check for hidden water sources like clogged gutters and plant saucers. If you have a pond, consider stocking mosquito-eating fish. Treat standing water that can't be drained with appropriate larvicides.
🟠DEET: Use EPA-registered repellents. Apply permethrin to clothing and gear. Store insect repellents safely out of reach of children.

🔗Check out KDHE's West Nile Virus (WNV) risk level in your area. It is updated on Fridays during mosquito surveillance season (June to October): https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1519/West-Nile-Virus
🔗KDHE's West Nile Virus Dashboard: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1937/West-Nile-Virus-Data
🔗EPA-registered repellents: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
🔗Learn more about mosquito bite prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/prevention/index.html

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reporting 55 total cases of cyclosporiasis in 2026 in Kansas, which includes both domestically acquired cases and cases likely exposed during international travel. For comparison, through July 15 in 2025, Kansas reported 23 cases. The number of annual cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas varies widely from year to year. In 2021, there were 69 cases reported, while in 2022, there were 24 cases reported. Between 2020 and 2025, an average of 43.5 cases were reported each year.

As of July 15, 2026, of the 55 total cases reported to KDHE, 37 are classified as domestically acquired, 17 were likely acquired during international travel, and, in one case, the public health investigation could not definitively determine if infection was acquired domestically or internationally. Domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases have risen sharply in Kansas since late June with 30 cases reported since June 24. KDHE continues to work with local health departments to interview cases and try to identify a common exposure(s) to prevent additional illnesses. Individuals diagnosed with cyclosporiasis are encouraged to talk to the local health department staff investigating these illnesses when they reach out to help identify a potential cause.

Background

Cyclosporiasis is caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is commonly found in tropical or subtropical countries and spread by food or water contaminated with f***s. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the United States because of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months. Cyclosporiasis is not known to spread from person to person. Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:

Frequent watery diarrhea.
Loss of appetite and weight.
Abdominal cramps and bloating.
Nausea (vomiting is less common).
Low-grade fever.
Individuals experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness are encouraged to be evaluated by a health care provider.

07/23/2026

The Pratt County health Hub is a website developed by the Pratt County Health Department offering vital insights into residents' lifestyles and activities across living, learning, working, and recreational spheres. Together, we strive to cultivate a healthier, more equitable Pratt County.

07/23/2026

Give your kids a healthy start this school year.

Add these to your back-to-school checklist:
🏫 A yearly physical
🏫 Recommended vaccinations
🏫 A balanced diet
🏫 Adequate sleep

Vaccinations for children: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/index.html

07/23/2026

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

BE TICK AWARE
🏕️ Ticks are common in Kansas, and a natural part of the environment. If you spend time outdoors you will encounter ticks.
🤒Ticks can carry diseases that make people and animals sick. These include Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and the red meat allergy, Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
🚫Take measures to prevent tick bites.
🚨Perform careful tick checks on yourself, children, and pets.
🩺Watch out for symptoms for 30 days after a tick bite. See your doctor right away if you develop fever, headache, rash, fatigue, or any symptoms suggestive of tickborne disease. Early treatment can prevent severe illness.

🔗Learn more about ticks in Kansas here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2241/Ticks

07/16/2026