West Nile Swarms Into More States

Officials: Blood-Screening Tests Working

ATLANTA -- West Nile virus is entering its peak season, and officials said the number of cases more than doubled in the past week.

As of Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 446 reported human cases of the virus in 24 states. That's a big jump from the 153 the agency reported a week ago. The CDC also reported 10 deaths -- six in Colorado, and two each in Alabama and Texas.

The virus was detected in birds, animals or mosquitoes in 18 additional states.

Officials said they are seeing a lot of cases from the high plains and Rocky Mountain states, and note that more than half have been reported in Colorado alone. It's also appeared in Arizona for the first time.

CDC officials also said their new blood-screening tests are working. They said that of more than 1 million blood donors who have been screened, more than 160 have tested positive for West Nile virus. Most didn't show any symptoms.

Officials said the peak season for West Nile virus is just beginning. They're urging people to be people to be proactive in preventing the virus.

Previous Stories:

• August 12, 2003: Virus Relative Protects Mice From West Nile
• August 7, 2003: U.S. West Nile Cases Triple In Week
• August 1, 2003: 2 West Nile Deaths Among First In Country
• July 30, 2003: Cases Of West Nile Begin To Climb Nationwide
• July 16, 2003: Experts: West Nile Season Similar To Last Year
• July 16, 2003: Is West Nile A Threat To Your Pet?

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.