CDC: West Nile season off to an early start - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

CDC: West Nile season off to an early start

Posted:

ATLANTA (AP) -- Health officials say West Nile virus season is off to a menacing start, with more serious illnesses reported so far this year than any since 2004.

Through the end of July, 241 human cases have been reported in 22 states, including four deaths. The bulk are in Texas, especially around the Dallas area.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention released the numbers Wednesday. Health officials believe the mild winter, early spring and very hot summer have fostered breeding of the mosquitoes that spread the virus to people.

CDC officials noted that most West Nile infections are reported in August and September, so it's not clear how bad this year will be.

------

Online:

   CDC West Nile page: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WQOW. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's pubic inspection file should contact Director of Station Operations Lisa Patrow at 715-852-5920. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at fccinfo@fcc.gov.