Cases Of West Nile Begin To Climb Nationwide

Colorado Reports Highest Number Of Human Cases In Country

At least 28 people have tested positive for West Nile virus in Colorado, according to the latest report from the state Health Department -- the highest number of human cases of the virus in the country.

The executive director of the Health Department, Douglas H. Benevento, attributed the sharp increase in cases to a wet spring, dry beginning of the summer and wet weather again, which increased the number of mosquitoes that carry the virus.

Meanwhile, the virus has spread to 11 states as of Wednesday, infecting 44 people and killing one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the virus isn't spreading as fast in some states as it was last year.

Mississippi State Department of Health officials confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the state Tuesday, saying that by this time last year, Mississippi had reported eight human cases.

Americans, especially those over 50 years old, are reminded to take precautions by protecting themselves against mosquitoes and by reducing mosquito breeding grounds near their homes.

Such prevention measures include avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks; using mosquito repellents with DEET; and eliminating standing water in tires, birdbaths or similar water-holding containers because these may serve as mosquito breeding sites.

Lucille Tryon was diagnosed with West Nile virus last year. But that won't keep the 84-year-old from weeding her 23 flower beds as mosquito season approaches.

The Minnesota resident was diagnosed with the virus when she complained of dizziness after being bitten by a mosquito.

Tryon continues to receive treatment for symptoms associated with the disease. She was hospitalized for nine days.

Copyright 2003 by KIROTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.