Kansas flu activity remains elevated; Wichita addresses fire-station mold and ozone-season air program

ByWeence

Wichita, KS – March 3, 2026 – Flu activity remains elevated across Kansas, while Wichita manages fire-station mold closures and starts ozone-season rebates.

Kansas health officials are tracking continued influenza activity as Wichita navigates operational disruptions tied to mold remediation in fire stations and the start of ozone season.

Influenza surveillance: Kansas reports elevated activity

In a Feb. 25 surveillance update, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said influenza activity rose through the fall, peaked in late December, and remains elevated. For the reporting week ending Feb. 14, providers in the state’s Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network reported that 6.0% of outpatient visits were for influenza-like illness (ILI), defined as fever with cough and/or sore throat.

KDHE also cited syndromic surveillance data indicating 7.7% of emergency department visits statewide were associated with ILI during that same week. Laboratory surveillance performed by the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories detected influenza in 146 specimens this season, with most detections reported as influenza A and primarily the A(H3) subtype.

The KDHE update said a total of 90 influenza outbreaks have been reported during the 2025–2026 respiratory season so far, with nine active outbreaks as of Feb. 18. KDHE also summarized a voluntary school absenteeism survey, noting overall absenteeism remained above 6.5% after a January peak, with respiratory-illness absences peaking in late January.

Wichita fire stations: Mold remediation and relocations

City and union officials continue to address mold concerns in Wichita Fire Department facilities, a development that can affect crews who also respond to medical calls. KWCH reported the City found mold in 20 of 22 fire stations, and Station 15 was evacuated after being deemed unsafe.

In a Feb. 25 report republished by FireRescue1, Station 15 was expected to remain closed for at least two more weeks as remediation continues. City officials told the Wichita City Council that firefighters at Station 11 may need to be relocated during work, and that stations 3 and 13 were also on a list of facilities that could be taken out of service temporarily as projects move forward.

Ozone season begins March 1; city launches lawn-care rebates

The City of Wichita says the 2026 ozone season runs from March 1 through Oct. 31, a period when the region can be at higher risk of elevated ground-level ozone during hot, sunny conditions and regional agricultural burning. To coincide with the season’s start, the city launched a Lawn Care Rebate Program on March 1 to encourage cleaner lawn equipment alternatives.

The city said $10,000 has been set aside for 2026 rebates, distributed on a first-come basis, and that qualifying electric lawn equipment purchases made on or after Jan. 1, 2026 may be eligible.

Sources

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSDHE/bulletins/40b2465
https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-stations-and-firehouses/mold-remediation-continues-at-kan-fire-station-as-more-may-be-closed
https://www.kwch.com/video/2026/02/24/mold-forces-evacuation-wichita-fire-department/
https://www.wichita.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/283924

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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