CDC says 2012 more active for West Nile Virus than past years

August 01, 2012

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say more Americans have been infected with West Nile Virus so far this year than through any July since 2004. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie has more.

MARK BRODIE: The CDC says 42 states have reported West Nile infections in people, mosquitoes or birds so far this year -- with 241 total human cases, and four deaths, including one in Arizona. Almost 80 percent of those cases have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi. So far this year, the Arizona Department of Health Services reports four reported human cases of West Nile Virus, all in Maricopa County. Overall, the state has investigated 108 potential West Nile cases, the vast majority of which were also in Maricopa County. Last year, four people in Arizona died from West Nile Virus. Federal and state health officials continue to encourage people to use insect repellent and get rid of standing water, among other precautions.