For Release:  Oct. 30, 2012 – Pamela Williams, Office of Communications – 405/271-5601

Media Advisory

WNV Reporting Switches to Once-weekly Schedule November 8th

Editors: West Nile Virus disease reporting will transition from Tuesday and Thursday statistical updates to a Thursday-only release beginning November 8th due to the anticipated seasonal reduction in cases. 

This once-a-week reporting will mirror the weekly Oklahoma State Department of Health influenza reporting schedule until West Nile cases have diminished to the point that further reporting is unnecessary.

State health officials encourage the public to continue to be vigilant even as the weather turns colder as mosquitoes may be present well into November. Using insect repellent when outdoors, draining standing water from items in the yard that mosquitoes can use to breed, and assuring doors and window screens are in good repair are essential to “fighting the bite” to help prevent West Nile virus.

###