Health officials warn of West Nile virus

? State health officials have urged Kansans to take precautions against West Nile virus.

State health officer Dr. Howard Rodenberg advises Kansans to use insect repellent with DEET, wear protective clothing and drain standing water to reduce chances of getting bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus.

No cases have been reported in Kansas this year, but officials expect the virus to arrive soon.

Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to neurological disease and, in rare cases, death. Most people have no symptoms.

Human cases are most common in late summer and early fall months. In 2005, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 25 West Nile cases in humans, resulting in one death.