Death Raises Toll From West Nile Virus To 5

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The state Health Department says an 80-year-old Okmulgee County man is the fifth person to die of West Nile virus in Oklahoma this year. The name and hometown of the man haven't

Friday, September 28th 2007, 7:08 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The state Health Department says an 80-year-old Okmulgee County man is the fifth person to die of West Nile virus in Oklahoma this year. The name and hometown of the man haven't been released. There are 73 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the state this year compared to 48 cases last year.

Laurence Burnsed with the state Health Department says the increase could be due to wetter-than-normal weather. The rains often leave pools of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

The virus is spread through mosquito bites.

Symptoms of the virus vary from person to person but may include a high fever, intense headaches, extreme tiredness, muscle weakness and dizziness.

Officials urge Oklahomans to use mosquito repellant and wear long-sleeved clothing if going outdoors at dawn and dusk.

Watch the video: West Nile Virus Death