Texas West Nile cases double in 2 weeks

DALLAS (AP) — State health officials say the tallies of Texas West Nile fever cases and deaths have more than doubled over the past two weeks.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Wednesday that 894 Texas cases had been reported so far this year, up from an Aug. 16 count of 336. Two cases were reported Wednesday to have ended in death, one each in Dallas and Panola counties, bringing the state total to 35. The Aug. 16 death toll was 14.

Texas has been a hotbed of West Nile fever spread by a mosquito-borne virus. At least 21 of the 35 reported Texas deaths were in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with 13 in Dallas County.

• Mapping the outbreak

The most recent Dallas County death was reported Wednesday in Rowlett in northeastern Dallas County.

Meanwhile, a second person has died from the West Nile virus in North Carolina.

Officials with the Cabarrus County Health Alliance confirmed Wednesday a 77-year-old woman died after complications from West Nile virus several days ago.

A Wayne County man died from the illness on Aug. 14.

State health officials say three other cases have been reported Forsyth, Mecklenburg and Scotland counties.

Health officials recommend eliminating standing water in places like flower pots, discarded containers, gutters and kiddie pools.

People also should keep window screens and panes in good condition. They also recommend people wear long sleeves, pants and socks.

Some of the symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache and a stiff neck.