West Nile case suspected here

Douglas County health officials were informed Wednesday that the state’s first probable case of West Nile virus had been reported here.

The information was passed on by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said Kay Kent, director of the Douglas County Health Department. A news release was expected to be sent out by the state, she said.

The person’s identity was not revealed, other than to say he or she is 51 years old, Kent said. The person developed symptoms consistent with West Nile and the state described it as a probable case because not all of the relevant tests have been performed or were available.

The case involves non-neuroinvasive West Nile, which includes milder symptoms of the disease. Those symptoms could include headache, fever, rash, gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness and inflammation of the lymph nodes without any other likely explanation.

West Nile virus is picked up by mosquitoes from birds and then passed on to humans. Health officials recommend that people use insect repellents on their skin, wear protective clothing when practical, remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed and limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

City cancels wood-chip sale

The Lawrence Department of Parks and Recreation has canceled the wood-chip sale that was scheduled to start today and run through Saturday.

Department officials cited larger than expected sales during their April wood-chip event as a reason for deciding to skip this month’s sales.

Residents may have an opportunity to purchase wood chips later. The department generates the wood chips from trees that have fallen or been cut down throughout the city.

Red Cross conducts blood drive today

A blood drive will be held this afternoon at the First Christian Church, 1000 Ky.

The drive, organized by the Douglas County Chapter of the American Red Cross, will be conducted from noon to 6 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

Historically, summer months are a challenging time for blood collections, mainly because high school and college students are on break, Red Cross officials said.

During the school year, students account for 15 percent of Red Cross blood donations.

Other donors also are gone on vacation or are busy with summer activities.