West Nile Infections Up Across Oklahoma

Friday, August 17th 2007, 6:19 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma Department of Health officials urged Oklahomans to redouble efforts to protect themselves against mosquito bites after the number of West Nile virus infections increased by six in the past week.

One new West Nile case has been reported in each of six counties: Hughes, Muskogee, Texas, Tulsa, Wagoner and Woodward, according to the Health Department. Three had been reported previously.

An elderly Miami man is the only death attributed to the virus this year.

Of the nine cases, six are male and three are female, state epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley said Thursday. Ages range from 15 to 87, and five of the nine patients are 75 or older.

"This indicates a spread of the disease by infected mosquitoes at a time when people may be becoming complacent about using mosquito repellant," Bradley said.

Culex mosquitoes, which spread the virus, seem to thrive in hot and dry weather, she said.

Elderly people with chronic medical conditions appear to be at most risk, officials said.

"This emphasizes the point that older age is the most significant risk factor for development of West Nile encephalitis, the most severe form of illness that can be caused by West Nile virus," Bradley said.

"Based on previous years of tracking West Nile virus, we know that most human cases occur during the hot and dry late-summer months of August and September. Since we are approaching the peak time of the season for West Nile-virus exposure, I want to stress how important it is for older Oklahomans especially to apply mosquito repellent if they are going to be outdoors during the evening and early morning hours."

By this time in 2006, Oklahoma had nine cases of West Nile virus and one death. By the end of the year, there were 48 human cases and six deaths.

No cases of horses contracting the virus have been reported, officials said.