HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department officials say that some of the mosquitoes collected from traps in the county have tested positive for West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

Throughout the summer, officials have coordinated efforts with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Biological Survey to trap and actively monitor the mosquito population.

West Nile virus is not contagious person-to-person, according to officials. Most people infected won’t have any symptoms. They say about 20 percent of people infected will experience mild symptoms such as a fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. Less than 1 percent will develop severe illness that may require hospitalization.

Severe symptoms include neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, numbness, paralysis, and even coma or death. If you develop any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

St. Louis encephalitis is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the brain. Like West Nile virus, it’s not contagious person-to-person. In some individuals, especially the elderly, it can cause serious illness that affects the central nervous system.

Symptoms often include fever, headaches, stiff neck, disorientation and altered levels of consciousness. Coma, convulsions, and paralysis may also occur.

If you develop symptoms, seek medical treatment.