12 Deaths From West Nile Virus Reported In Oklahoma, Breaks Record

The Oklahoma Health Department reports 12 deaths and 173 total cases of West Nile Virus in Oklahoma.

The latest death breaks the number of West Nile Virus deaths in Oklahoma in one year. A record number of West Nile cases in the state was reported in September.

9/4/2012 Related Story: West Nile Virus Cases In Oklahoma Break Record, Two More Deaths

The Oklahoma State Department of Health advises use of insect repellants—particularly those containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD), or IR 3535—when enjoying outdoor activities like gardening, yard work, camping or other leisure activities.

The type of mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active during early morning and evening hours, so it is important to take mosquito bite precautions during that time of the day.

It is also recommended to drain or treat standing water around your home with a mosquito larvacide to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

In Oklahoma, the West Nile Virus season runs from May to November, and people are at greatest risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes from July through October.

However, officials say the virus will remain a threat until the mosquitoes that carry the disease are neutralized by sub-freezing temperatures.

News 9's complete West Nile Virus coverage