West Nile virus death is confirmed in Oklahoma County

The man's name was not released.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can lead to serious neurological disease in some cases — although some who are affected will suffer no ill effects.

The state Health Department has issued a public health warning, recommending that residents take precautions against mosquitoes in their area.

Twenty-four new cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Oklahoma in the past week, according to the Health Department.

So far this year, Oklahoma County has seen 12 reported cases of West Nile. Overall, there have been 55 cases of the disease confirmed this year in residents in 14 counties. Tulsa County had 14 reported cases, Carter County is at nine and Pittsburg County had seven.

In addition, a spokeswoman from the state medical examiner's office said another death is suspected to be caused by West Nile. The medical examiner received paperwork from a Midwest City doctor reporting that a Seminole woman, Donna Smith, 81, died because of West Nile.

That report has not been confirmed by the state Health Department.

Health Department officials said they do not expect West Nile virus cases to peak until September or early October. The virus' season runs from May to November.

About the virus

State residents who have contracted the virus this year have ranged in age from 12 to 90. The Health Department warns that people older than 50 are at the highest risk for developing the most severe symptoms.

Symptoms of West Nile fever include sudden onset of fever, headache, nausea, dizziness and muscle weakness, according to the Health Department. Swollen lymph glands or a skin rash also can occur with West Nile fever.