Feds issue West Nile virus warning

Cases of West Nile virus in the United States have reached an eight-year high, health officials warned Wednesday.

Americans should use insect repellent and get rid of standing water near their homes as precautions, urged the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The peak period for contracting the mosquito-borne illness is approaching. Seasonal outbreaks are most common in the summer, with the highest number of cases in mid-August.

Two hundred forty-one cases of West Nile have been reported to authorities so far this year, according to the CDC, exceeding any pre-August figure since 2004.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, a disease specialist with the CDC.

"Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family."

The virus can cause serious neurological problems or death in a small number of cases. It has no treatment or preventive vaccines. 

Nearly 80 percent of U.S. cases were reported in Texas, Mississippi or Oklahoma, according to the CDC.

Read more on the bulletin here.

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