Tagged: West Nile

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health says there have now been 170 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Oklahoma this year and 11 deaths due to the disease.

The numbers were reported Tuesday by the department in its bi-weekly report. Oklahoma's previous yearly record of 107 West Nile cases and seven deaths set in 2007 was broken in early September.

Officials say the virus will remain a threat until the mosquitoes that carry the disease are neutralized by sub-freezing temperatures.

GUTHRIE, Okla. (AP) — A former mayor of Guthrie has died after battling West Nile virus.

Officials with the First Christian Church say Jon Gumerson died Saturday after contracting West Nile. He was 76.

He died the same weekend the church was holding a blood drive in his honor. Organizer Jessica Eaves says 40 people donated blood Sunday at the event.

Eaves tells The Oklahoman that Gumerson taught Sunday school at the church for 50 years. He was also an avid Sooner fan and local businessman.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health is reporting five new cases of West Nile virus — but no additional deaths.

The department said Thursday in its bi-weekly report that there have been 160 cases and nine deaths in the state this year. The previous record of 107 cases and seven deaths set in 2007 was broken in early September.

Officials say the virus will remain a threat until the first freeze neutralizes the mosquitoes that carry the disease. The first freeze generally occurs around the first of November.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Health officials say another person has died of the West Nile Virus in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health indicated on its website Thursday that the number of West Nile Virus deaths in the state had risen to nine and the number of reported cases in the state had increased to 154.

At least 88 people have been hospitalized for treatment of the mosquito-borne illness.

In Oklahoma, the West Nile Virus season runs from May to November, and people are at greatest risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes from July through October.

West Nile virus cases in Oklahoma are increasing. According to the Oklahoma State Health Department, 11 new cases are reported totaling to 144 cases since January. No new deaths are reported.

During the West Nile season, May- November, OSHD encourage everyone to use insect repellants when enjoying time outdoors.