PITTSBURG COUNTY, OKLAHOMA -- This year's first case of West Nile Virus has been reported in southeastern Oklahoma. Now the state health department is encouraging everyone to take precautions.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health says the state hasn't seen many West Nile Virus cases in the past three years, but they're afraid the numbers could rise this year.
A Pittsburg county man has tested positive for West Nile and the Health Department says three other cases in other counties are under investigation.
Just this week, several mosquitoes in Tulsa County tested positive for the virus.
Using insect repellant containing DEET, staying away from standing water and avoiding being outside between dusk and dawn are good measures to take.
The recent Oklahoma case has Lake Texoma campers on guard.
"We have definitely taken precautions. We've used off, we've got citronella candles. We definitely don't want to have any case of West Nile and get sick. We're having a blast out here," Lake Texoma camper Jessica Matthews said.
The health department says only one case of West Nile Virus was reported in Oklahoma last year.
But since 2002, there have been 329 cases and 20 deaths.
Dallas county in Texas has reported 12 human cases. Denton county reported one and mosquitoes carrying West Nile have been reported in Collin County.
Health officials say that means they're probably in Grayson county too.
Posted: 06/17/2013 - ARDMORE, Okla. —The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation announced the 2013-2014 recipients of the Sam Noble Scholarships this week, awarding $140,000 in scholarships to 10 southern Oklahoma students.
Posted: 06/13/2013 - DURANT, Okla. -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University has scheduled Camp SE for June 23-24, July 21-22 and July 28-29 on campus.
Updated: 06/10/2013 - (LEONARD,TEXAS) -- Leonard residents are worried that piles of tires sitting at a vacant service shop are attracting mosquitoes and endagering their health
