CDC: Alarming rise in West Nile cases nationwide

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(AP Photo/LM Otero)

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U.S. health officials say there's been an alarming increase in the number of West Nile cases.

So far there have been more than 1,100 cases reported through the middle of August. That's three times as many as usually seen at this point in the year. About half the cases are in Texas. Most West Nile infections are reported in August and September.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the new numbers Wednesday. They say the mild winter, early spring and very hot summer have fostered breeding of the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes pick up the virus from birds and then spread it to people.

West Nile virus was first reported in the United States in 1999.

On Wednesday, health officials in Nassau County announced the first human case of the virus in 2012.

The victim is an elderly woman who was hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms consistent with the virus.

Spraying for West Nile is scheduled in portions of Brooklyn this week. The following zip codes are affected Aug. 23 & Aug. 24, 8 p.m. - 6 a.m.:

11207, 11208, 11210, 11229, 11234, 11236, 11237

For more information on West Nile virus spraying in NYC, visit NYC.gov.

Nassau County Department of Health offered the following tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases:

Remove or empty standing water from children's outdoor toys, flower pots, garbage cans, pails, or any object that can hold water.

Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water.

Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days.

Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair.

Consider wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and mosquito repellent (according to directions) if outdoors when mosquitoes are active, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Decorative ponds and water features should be circulated or chlorinated if they do not contain fish to prevent mosquito breeding.

For mosquito, stagnant water, or drainage problems, call the Nassau County Department of Public Works at: (516) 571-6900.
Additional West Nile virus information may be found on the Nassau County Department of Health website.
You can also get information about symptoms at the CDC website.

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CDC: Alarming rise in West Nile cases nationwide - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

CDC: Alarming rise in West Nile cases nationwide

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