By Blake Moren

An Oklahoma resident who died due to the West Nile Virus is the first case or death reported in Oklahoma in 2024. The individual lived in nearby Comanche County and died earlier this summer.
West Nile Virus is typically carried by mosquitoes after they feed on infected birds. According to Northeastern State University medical laboratory science professor Sallie Ruskoski, the mosquito gets infected with West Nile after feeding on infected birds and then they spread the virus upon biting a human.
“Humans are considered dead-end hosts, meaning a mosquito can’t pick up the virus from a human and spread it,” Ruskoski said.
Ruskoski said Oklahomans should not be too concerned about West Nile at the moment, but that they need to be aware of the possibility that they could catch it. In Oklahoma, from 1993-2023, there have only been 904 cases of West Nile.
Ruskoski said that while a vaccine has not been developed for West Nile, ways exist to prevent yourself from getting it.
These include spraying insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when you are outside. Getting rid of stagnant water will also help, as this prevents mosquito reproduction.
Repairing or installing window and door screens will help prevent insects from getting indoors.
Symptoms include fever, body aches, headaches, vomiting, rash, diarrhea, fatigue and weakness. These symptoms could last from a few weeks to several months. Ruskoski said that if anyone suspects they have contracted West Nile, they should contact their health provider as soon as they can.
There is no medication for West Nile, but the symptoms can be treated, according to Ruskoski. Severe cases will require hospitalization. Ruskoski said that eight out of ten people who have contracted West Nile will be asymptomatic. Ruskoski also said that those who contract it will have lifetime immunity to reexposure.
It usually takes 1-3 weeks to recover from the virus.
Ruskoski said individuals who are sixty and older are the most susceptible to West Nile.
West Nile can also lead to meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, loss of vision, numbness, paralysis and coma.
Ruskoski said that those who have central nervous systems symptoms can die from West Nile; 1.out of 10 people.
Horses can also exhibit the same diseases that West Nile-infected humans have. Horses are more likely to pass away than humans. There is, however, a West Nile vaccine for horses.