McALESTER —
Confirmed cases of West Nile virus are increasing in Pittsburg County, where seven cases have now been confirmed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
“We’re seeing some resurgence of West Nile virus across Oklahoma,” said Pittsburg County Health Department Administrator Mike Echelle.
Confirmed cases statewide include one fatality, identified by the Associated Press as on Oklahoma County man over the age of 75.
Including the seven Pittsburg County cases, a total of 55 cases of West Nile virus have now been confirmed statewide this year, Echelle said.
That’s only the confirmed cases, Echelle noted. Other cases are suspect, but haven’t yet been confirmed.
As a result of the influx of cases, “We’ve increased our mosquito prevention efforts in McAlester,” said Echelle.
Three nights a week, Pittsburg County commissioners will work with the city of McAlester to dispense mosquito-fogger around different sections of the city, he said. Commissioners will also continue fogging in other areas in their districts, according to Echelle.
Other steps include helping familiarize area residents about the West Nile, Echelle said, noting that at-risk groups include those who are 50 or older.
“We will be placing educational fact sheets at the senior citizens centers, home improvement centers and veterinarian clinics,” Echelle said. While no human vaccination is available to protect against West Nile virus, an equine vaccination is available for horses, mules and donkeys, according to health officials.
In addition to Pittsburg County, other counties with multiple confirmed cases of West Nile virus are Tulsa County, with 14 cases, Oklahoma County, 12; Carter County, with nine; Muskogee County, with three, and Garfield County with two. Other counties have seen a single conformed case, Echelle said.
Prevention is the key, Echelle stressed, urging safe practices.
Precautionary measures include using mosquito repellent with DEET, especially around the morning and evening hours; making houses mosquito-proof, by repairs tears in screens and cleaning, and by emptying containers of any standing water. Water in bird baths and pet food bowls could also be changed on a regular basis.
Some who have contract West Nile virus have no symptoms at all.
However, symptoms can include a sudden onset of fever, headaches, nausea, depression and muscle weakness, said Echelle.
Swollen lymph glands and a skin rash are also sometimes seen in those who’ve contracted West Nile virus.
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