CDC reports early West Nile surge, advises mosquito control

According to AP News, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 48 West Nile virus cases across 23 states, the highest early-season total in more than two decades, and urged the public to use repellents and eliminate standing water. The agency said the infections were reported in a wide geographic area, indicating a broad spread of the virus. Health officials noted that the early surge exceeded any comparable count recorded for the first part of the season in recent history.

CDC officials warned that the rising numbers increased the risk of mosquito-borne transmission to communities. They recommended that individuals apply insect repellent and remove any standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.