First West Nile case is confirmed in Oklahoma

<br> <br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The first human case of West Nile virus in Oklahoma was confirmed today. <br><br>The state Health Department says a 29-year-old Tulsa man who was hospitalized late last month

Friday, August 8th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The first human case of West Nile virus in Oklahoma was confirmed today.

The state Health Department says a 29-year-old Tulsa man who was hospitalized late last month has the potentially deadly virus.

The man is now recovering at home.

Health officials are awaiting lab results on two other possible cases, one in a 70-year-old Beaver County man and the other in a 47-year-old Okmulgee County man.

West Nile was first confirmed in Oklahoma last year when 21 human cases were confirmed. Two Oklahomans died of the disease last year.

Health officials say the virus has also been found in 56 birds and nine horses this year.

Residents are encouraged to use insect repellents containing DEET, emptying standing water and avoid being outside during the early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.