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West Nile virus cases continued to be reported in Oklahoma

The state Health Department on Thursday reported five additional cases of West Nile virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state this year to 160.

BY JACLYN COSGROVE jcosgrove@opubco.com | Modified: October 4, 2012 at 10:16 pm | Published: October 5, 2012 Comment on this article

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Most people who contract the virus don't develop serious symptoms. About 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will develop a severe neurologic disease that could include paralysis and brain swelling. People older than 50 are most at risk of developing the more severe symptoms.

Public health officials recommend residents continue to use mosquito repellent when enjoying time outside and wear long sleeves and pants. Also, it's important to remove stagnant water from around your home, for it could serve as a mosquito breeding ground.

The mosquito population is expected to go into hibernation once Oklahoma gets its first freeze, which usually occurs around the first week of November.

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