Two Cases of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Oklahoma County
The Oklahoma County Health Department has confirmed two cases of West Nile Virus in Oklahoma County, making it the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. The department issued a news release on Wednesday stating that while most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, one in five may experience fever, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
This marks the first reported cases of the season in Oklahoma County, with health officials urging residents to protect themselves by using insect repellent containing Deet and wearing long sleeves and pants when outside to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are currently spreading WNV, leading to widespread concerns across the state.
In the past 7 years, Oklahoma has seen a total of 318 confirmed cases of human disease from West Nile Virus, resulting in lengthy hospital stays and sadly, 20 deaths. To reduce mosquito breeding sites, residents are advised to treat their homes with larvacide and report any possible sources in the area.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reported its first human case and death caused by WNV in a resident of Southwest Oklahoma. The patient was hospitalized before succumbing to the virus, which is primarily spread by the Culex mosquito feeding on infected birds and transmitting the virus through bites.
Source: Oklahoma County Health Department
