U.S. health officials say West Nile virus cases are up 40 percent since last week and are on pace to rival the record years of 2002 and 2003.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,590 cases of the mosquito-borne disease and 66 deaths so far this year. Half of the cases are in Texas.
Health officials think cases have peaked or are peaking now but likely will continue through October.
The disease first appeared in the United States in 1999, and health officials say this summer’s hot, dry weather may have contributed to the current boom.
To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the New York City Health Department has announced it will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Manhattan on Friday, August 31, between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting.
In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Wednesday, September 5. These neighborhoods are being treated due to rising West Nile virus activity with high and/or increasing mosquito populations.
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