OSDH: First Oklahoma West Nile virus case, death of 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has reported the first human case and death caused by West Nile virus in 2024 following the death of a southwest Oklahoma resident.

West Nile virus is spread from the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Department of Health, in Oklahoma, the West Nile virus is mainly spread by the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds before biting and spreading the virus to humans, horses and other mammals.

The amount of Culex mosquitos typically increase during mid to late summer as temperatures rise and the weather is dry.

“We expect the number of human cases to increase as the temperatures rise throughout the summer,” said Jolianne Stone, the State Epidemiologist. “Typically, summertime is the beginning of the WNV season in Oklahoma, so with more people participating in outdoor activities there are increased opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes.”

OSDH has provided tips on how to avoid mosquito bites and how to prevent contracting West Nile virus:

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when going outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.
• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
• Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, children’s toys and tires from holding water to prevent providing mosquitoes a place to breed.
• Empty any pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.
• Scrub and refill bird baths every three days.
• Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.
  

The health department says that while a great amount of individuals that become infected with West Nile virus will likely never experience symptoms after the infection, those who do have symptoms may experience a sudden fever, headache, dizziness or muscle weakness.

The recovery time from the infection usually happens within one to three weeks.

West Nile virus can have long-lasting complications that includes migraines, difficulty concentrating, headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors, and paralysis of a limb.

Currently there is no vaccine or treatment drug for the virus.

Those who are older than 50 years of age, diabetics or experience uncontrolled hypertension have a greater risk developing severe neurologic disease from the West Nile virus. OSDH says once the disease affects the nervous system it can cause disorientation, confusion, paralysis, loss of consciousness, neck stiffness or coma.

To learn more about the West Nile virus, click here.