"West Nile virus cases nationally were up 40% from last week, now totaling 1,590, including 66 deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday."
"The CDC repeated its warning that this year may have the highest number of cases since the virus was first found here in 1999.
'We think the numbers may come close to or even exceed the total reported in 2002 and 2003,' both of which were severe West Nile virus years, said Lyle Petersen, director of the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases.
More than 260 deaths were reported each of those years."
Elizabeth Weise reports for USA TODAY August 29, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"Mysterious New 'Heartland Virus' Discovered In Missouri" (Shots/NPR)
"Hunting For the Deadliest Prey in the Jungle: Viruses" (Independent)
"With West Nile On The Rise, We Answer Your Questions" (NPR)
"West Nile Virus Cases Hit 1,590; Death Toll at 66" (ABC News)
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