West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Northwest Oklahoma

The first case of West Nile virus in Oklahoma this year has been confirmed in Major County, in the northwestern part of the state.

Thursday, July 10th 2014, 11:26 am

By: News On 6

West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Northwest Oklahoma

The first case of West Nile virus in Oklahoma this year has been confirmed in Major County, in the northwestern part of the state.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health encourages residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne illness.

In a news releases, the OSDH says summertime marks the beginning of the West Nile Virus season in the state.

During 2013, 84 cases of West Nile Virus were confirmed among Oklahoma residents, including 8 deaths. Cases ranged in age from 17 to 92 years.

West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of the mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and transmits the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals.

The health department states although the severity of this year’s West Nile Virus season cannot be predicted, it is important to know the highest risk months in Oklahoma occurs from July through October.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus includes sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Long-lasting complications can include difficulty concentrating, migraine headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors, and paralysis of a limb.