Kansas health officials announced recently that much of Kansas, including the SEK area, is at a high risk for West Nile Virus in the coming weeks. Although the weather has been pleasant and mostly dry through the last couple of days, the floods experienced last month will help an increasing mosquito population over the next few weeks.

Although no human cases have been reported in Kansas just yet, the risk level has been set to high because of increased temperatures. Mosquitos will be able to mature quicker from eggs to biting adults.

West Nile Virus is not contagious, but can be spread from mosquito bites. Those afflicted can develop a fever, and in worse cases, brain swelling and death. For a list of tips to reduce your risk or avoid West Nile Virus altogether, check out the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 's WNV website here.