CDC: West Nile Cases Rise 40 Percent in 1 Week

By: Associated Press

Updated: Wed 12:03 PM, Aug 29, 2012

Help Control the Spread of West Nile

Clear standing water
Wear repellent with DEET
Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn
Wear long sleeves and pants

Federal health officials say that West Nile virus cases are up 40 percent since last week and are on pace to rival the record years of 2002 and 2003.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,590 cases of the mosquito-borne disease and 66 deaths so far this year. Half of the cases are in Texas.

Health officials think that cases have peaked or are peaking now, but likely will continue through October. The disease first appeared in the United States in 1999, and health officials say this summer's hot, dry weather may have contributed to the current boom in cases.

The CDC also says it does not expect Hurricane Isaac to have much of an impact on cases in Southern states.

Related Links
CDC's West Nile Virus Information

Report: Lowering Sodium Intake Below 2,300mg May Do More Harm Than Good

We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:

Comments must not be profane or vulgar.

Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.

We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.

Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.

Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.

Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.

If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/misc/Online-Commenting-Policy-181579421.html