Experts Visit Kan. to Probe Rash Mystery

PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites) in Atlanta has dispatched staffers to southeast Kansas, in an attempt to locate the source of apparent bug bites that have plagued hundreds of people and sent a Colorado woman to a hospital emergency room.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Monday that the CDC has sent staffers to the area to deal with the large number of rashes believed to be caused by insect bites. KDHE also sent epidemiologists to help with the investigation, and medical entomologists from Kansas State University are continuing efforts this week to trap insects for testing.

The problem was first reported in Crawford County in late August, when hordes who attended Pittsburg State University's 56-6 win over Western State College of Colorado found themselves covered in itchy bites.

Jerry Swaro of Salida, Colo., said his wife had to go to the emergency room of a Pittsburg hospital because she was so badly bitten.

KDHE said several cases also have been reported in Labette, Cherokee and Bourbon counties and in the southwest Missouri counties of Jasper, Barton and Vernon. The agency said it did not know of anyone who has been hospitalized because of the rash.

Victims of the rash have reported bites all over their bodies. State health officials say the problem usually subsides after a few days with topical medication to relieve itching.

How ya doing? Good to see you!!

This is an interesting thing...

We should take bets on what they will find.. or not find!

I'll start off... even though there is no where near enough info to try and sort it out.

I'll guess it is chiggers!

How ya bean?

I want to pick no-sees-um.

I like that answer better!