West Nile Virus Cases Rise as Maryland Reports First Human Infection
WHO:
WTOP - Maryland Department of Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year.
KCTV - Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is warning residents statewide about the high risk of West Nile virus.
WHAT:
KCTV - In 2025, Kansas reported a total of 36 cases of West Nile virus, which included 1 death, 26 neuroinvasive cases, and 10 non-neuroinvasive cases.
KCTV - In 2026, Kansas has reported a total of 1 non-neuroinvasive case so far, involving a man aged 35-44 in Northeastern Kansas.
WTOP - The Maryland Department of Health confirmed that the first human case of West Nile virus was traced to Anne Arundel County.
KCTV - In 2026, Kansas has reported a total of 1 non-neuroinvasive case so far, involving a man aged 35-44 in Northeastern Kansas.
WTOP - A Capital Region resident in Maryland has been confirmed to have West Nile virus.
KCTV - The entire state of Kansas is currently at high risk for West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes.
KCTV - In 2025, Kansas reported 1 death, 26 neuroinvasive cases, and 10 non-neuroinvasive cases of West Nile virus.
KCTV - In 2026, Kansas has reported 1 non-neuroinvasive case, involving a man aged 35-44 in Northeastern Kansas.
WHERE:
WTOP - The confirmed case in Maryland is located in the Capital Region.
KCTV - The entire state of Kansas is experiencing high risk, with Northeastern and South Central Kansas reporting the most cases.
WHEN:
KCTV - In 2025, Kansas reported 1 death and 36 total cases of West Nile virus.
KCTV - The KDHE's data dashboard indicates the current high risk status for West Nile virus.
WHY:
WTOP - Dr. Meg Sullivan stated, “Your best defense against West Nile virus is to protect yourself from mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and eliminating standing water near your home.”
WTOP - Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, stated, “We are in the season when the West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses can spread in Maryland.”
WTOP - Health officials urge Marylanders to take preventive steps to reduce their risk of West Nile virus.
KCTV - Health officials note that many people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms, but those who do can experience mild to severe illness.
HOW:
KCTV - KDHE recommends that residents should consider using EPA-registered insect repellents, applying permethrin to clothing and gear, and storing repellents safely out of children’s reach.
WTOP - The Maryland Department of Health advises monitoring backyards and gardens for areas of high mosquito activity, especially standing water, as even small amounts can serve as breeding grounds.
WTOP - Prevention efforts include using EPA-registered insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and eliminating standing water.
KCTV - KDHE recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.
(UPDATED August 3, 2026 22:03 UTC)
Kansas reported a total of 36 cases of West Nile virus in 2025, which included one death, 26 neuroinvasive cases, and 10 non-neuroinvasive cases, while so far in 2026, there has been just one non-neuroinvasive case involving a man aged 35 to 44 in Northeastern Kansas. Dr. Meg Sullivan emphasizes that the best defense against West Nile virus is to protect yourself from mosquitoes by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and eliminating standing water near your home. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents, applying permethrin to clothing and gear, and ensuring that repellents are stored safely out of children’s reach.
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(UPDATED August 3, 2026 16:25 UTC)
The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Anne Arundel County, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with mosquito-borne illnesses. Meanwhile, Kansas has reported a single non-neuroinvasive case this year involving a man aged 35 to 44 in Northeastern Kansas. Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, emphasizes the importance of monitoring backyards and gardens for mosquito activity, particularly in areas with standing water, as even small amounts can become breeding grounds.
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(UPDATED August 3, 2026 05:38 UTC)
Maryland health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year, involving a resident from the Capital Region. Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is warning that the entire state is currently at high risk for West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes, with recent reports indicating one non-neuroinvasive case in Northeastern Kansas. To help prevent infection, health officials in both states recommend using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.