West Nile Virus cases highest since 2004, CDC says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 23 states have reported at least 48 cases of West Nile Virus as of June 30, making it the highest caseload by this time of year since 2004. States have reported an average of 10 human disease cases to the CDC by the end of June since 2004. The CDC says the virus’ early circulation is driving the surge. The agency encourages people to use insect repellent, wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants to make it more difficult for mosquitos to bite, avoid being outside between dusk and dawn when the mosquitos that spread West Nile virus are most active and to use screens on windows and doors or air conditioning to keep mosquitos outside. (CDC news release, 7/1/26)