West Nile Virus cases are on the rise in Kansas, according to state health officials. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 19 cases have been reported so far this year.

Of those, KDHE says five have been confirmed, and 14 are described as probable. One patient has died.

The virus spreads to people through mosquito bites, but is not contagious from person to person.

Cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months. In 2011, one confirmed case of West Nile virus was reported in Kansas. The three-year median for WNV for 2008-2010 was five cases.

Incidences declined sharply after 2003; this is likely due to acquired immunity through exposure to the virus.

“Sadly, someone in Kansas has died due to West Nile virus disease. In many places around the country, including Kansas, cases are on the rise. We want to bring this to everyone’s attention as we expect an increase in this disease before winter is here, and we strongly encourage the use of methods that prevent mosquito bites,” said Robert Moser, M.D., KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer.

Missouri has reported four cases of the virus this year including one death, a 78-year-old man from Laclede County. The Kansas City Missouri Health Department says it’s investigating two suspected cases.

The Center for Disease Control says this summer’s outbreak is the largest in history. Despite aggressive efforts in states like Texas, 41-people have died from the virus so far and hundreds more have become sick from it. About 75 percent of the cases are in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Authorities are recommending you take precautions such as removing standing water where the insects breed, checking the screens on your windows and doors, and using insect repellant, especially at duck and dawn, when they are most active.

Birds are not tested for West Nile Virus in Kansas and KDHE will not be collecting information about dead birds.

If you find a dead bird, KDHE recommends that you wear gloves, place the bird in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

As of noon, Aug. 24, the case count by county in Kansas was: Sedgwick-12, Douglas-1, Harvey-1, Pottowatomie-1, Reno-1, Stafford-1, Sumner-1 and Trego-1.

Officials are not releasing additional details about the patients in Kansas.