Nine new cases of West Nile virus confirmed in Oklahoma

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Nine new cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Oklahoma Thursday.<br><br>The Oklahoma State Department of Health says that brings the total number of human cases reported in

Thursday, September 25th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Nine new cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Oklahoma Thursday.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health says that brings the total number of human cases reported in Oklahoma to 43 this year. That's already double the number of West Nile infections diagnosed in Oklahoma last year.

State Public Health Veterinarian Kristy Bradley says even though fall has arrived and temperatures are cooling, West Nile virus can still pose a risk in September and October.

The newly confirmed cases come from Okmulgee, Texas, Woodward, Woods, LeFlore and Tulsa counties.

Oklahomans are urged to use insect repellent containing DEET, remove standing water near the home and avoid being outside during dawn or dusk, when disease-carrying mosquitoes are most active.