A severe complication with West Nile virus that causes paralysis shows up in Kansas for the first time. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports three cases of acute flaccid paralysis or AFP. They are a 44 year old in Sedgwick County, a 54 year old in Saline county, and a 34 year old in Dickinson County.

KDHE says it will now release the number of unconfirmed cases of West Nile virus in the state. The new plan will help Kansans realize there are more West Nile cases out there. But it may not identify the magnitude of the problem.

The number of West Nile virus cases in Kansas may determine how concerned you are about the disease. But this year, there's been much debate about it's prevalence.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino says, "We are adding some information to what has been publicly released up until now in an effort to in essence better educate the public."

So far, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed 61 cases, including one death. But now it will also start releasing the number of unverified West Nile cases and deaths, and positive blood donations.

There are 423 unverified cases from commercial labs, three unverified deaths from information on death certificates and 44 positive blood donations. But local infectious disease specialists say it still doesn't tell the whole story.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Keck Hartman says, "I think the change in reporting is necessary in making the public aware of the magnitude of the problem. It's not going to be a complete reflection of how prevalent this illness is."

National statistics won't reflect it either. The Centers for Disease Control will only report the number of cases KDHE confirms, which is 61.

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West Nile virus Facts

• The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in humans and other animals.

• The virus is named after the West Nile region of Uganda where it was first isolated in1937.

• The virus appeared for the first time in the United States during a 1999 outbreak in New York that killed seven people.

How is the West Nile virus Spread?

• The virus is spread to humans, birds and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

• A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that is carrying the virus.

• West Nile virus is not spread from person to person, and no evidence indicates the virus can be spread directly from birds to humans.

• Only a small population of mosquitoes are likely to be infected and most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become sick.

• 1 in 300 people bitten by an infected mosquito get sick.

• 1 in 100-150 who get sick become seriously ill.

• 3 to 15 percent of those seriously ill die.

Symptoms of the Virus

• The symptoms generally appear about 3 to 6 days after exposure. People over the age of 50 are at a greater risk of severe illness.

• Milder symptoms include: Slight fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands and/or sometimes a skin rash.

• Severe symptoms include: High fever, intense headache, stiff neck, and/or confusion.

Protecting Yourself

• Control mosquitoes from breeding around your home. Remove standing water from any item or area that can hold water. Standing water is a perfect breeding place for mosquitoes.

• Wear long and light colored clothing.

• Use insect repellent products with no ore than 20-30 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children.

• Spray repellent on your hands and then apply to your face; spray on clothing, as well. Be sure repellent is safe for human skin and clothing.

• Wash off repellent daily and reapply as needed.

• Stay inside at dawn and dusk because that is when mosquitoes are most active.

Source: www.vdh.state.va.us contributed to this report