4 Die from West Nile Virus in U.S. in 1 Week! 1st Deaths '03

[southerngale]

The West Nile virus has claimed four lives in the United States in one week, and to date in 2003, 153 cases have been reported in 15 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced.

The first deaths from the virus this year occurred between July 31 and August 6 in three states, Alabama, Colorado and Texas, according to officials.

[Colin]

Stay safe down there!!!! :o

[JetMaxx]

Alabama? That's getting too close for comfort :o

The city of Douglasville is taking the West Nile virus threat seriously this summer -- spraying every street in town once or twice a week...and I've only seen a couple mosquitoes all summer (only been bitten once).

[southerngale]

West Nile Virus Cases Triple in One Week

By DANIEL YEE
The Associated Press
Thursday, August 7, 2003; 3:21 PM

ATLANTA - West Nile virus cases have tripled since last week, a top U.S. health official said Thursday, warning that this year may surpass last year's record numbers.

"The numbers are starting to change very, very quickly," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "That is very concerning."