More West Nile Virus Cases Reported In Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Health says 154 Oklahomans have contracted West Nile virus so far this year. Nine state residents have died.

The latest death was a Muskogee man who died on Monday.

9/26/2012 Related Story: Muskogee Man Is Oklahoma's 9th West Nile Fatality Of 2012

The OSDH releases West Nile virus numbers twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. 

Earlier this year, state epidemiologists warned that this summer could be the worst West Nile virus season in Oklahoma history. The last severe outbreak occurred in 2007. Twenty Oklahomans died and 107 people became sick from the virus.

Tulsa County has recorded 31 cases of West Nile virus with three deaths. Oklahoma County has had two deaths attributed to the virus with a total of 51 cases.

Complete West Nile Virus coverage

In Oklahoma, the West Nile Virus season runs from May to November, and people are at greatest risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes from July through October.