OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports two additional deaths due to the West Nile Virus and 20 new cases of the disease.
The department reported Tuesday that five Oklahomans have now died as a result of the virus and 92 people have contracted the disease.
The numbers are approaching the record numbers of 107 cases and eight deaths recorded in 2007.
The department says both of the latest deaths were in Carter County. The previous deaths were two in Oklahoma County and one in Seminole County.
The majority of the cases - 57 - have been the neuro-invasive form, the most severe form, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and can lead to mental confusion, disorientation, blindness, paralysis and death.
