The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that it has seen a surge in mosquito-borne West Nile virus cases at the highest level since 2004, warning people to take extra precautions during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
At least 48 cases have been reported as of June 30, according to the CDC, and 38 of those have involved “severe neuroinvasive disease.”
“Since 2004, an average of 10 human disease cases has been reported to CDC by the end of June,” the agency stated. “This surge is driven by early circulation of the virus, with 23 states reporting West Nile virus activity.”
The CDC stated that with tens of millions of people expected to spend time outside during the 250th Independence Day holiday weekend, it recommends taking precautions to lower the risk of mosquito bites and transmission of the West Nile virus….