Oklahoma West Nile virus-related deaths hit record high

The most recent deaths included a man younger than 65 in Cleveland County and a man older than 65 in Logan County.

Eleven residents have died this year because of the virus, the highest number of West Nile virus-related deaths the state has seen since the virus entered the U.S. in 1999.

Also, the Health Department has confirmed 170 cases of West Nile virus this year, also a record number for Oklahoma.

West Nile virus can cause mild to severe symptoms.

Most people who contract the virus do not develop illness.

However, people older than 50 are at the most risk of developing severe neurological symptoms after contracting the virus.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 4,249 cases thus far in 2012, the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the second week in October since 2003.

West Nile virus was first identified in the U.S. in 1999. From 2002 through 2011, 327 cases of West Nile virus in humans were reported, and 21 residents died from this virus.