Dallas Mayor Declares WNV Emergency

DALLAS, Texas - Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said the city is facing a West Nile virus emergency, CNN reports. 

WNV has killed at least 14 people in Texas and 26 nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevenetion. The Dallas delcaration clears the way for aerial spraying to kill the infected mosquitos, according to CNN.

The U.S. is experiencing its biggest spike in WNV activity since 2004, with 241 cases of the disease reported across the United States. Of the 42 states that have reported infections in people, birds or mosquitoes, 80 percent have been in Texas, CNN reported.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, a CDC medical epidemiologist. "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."

Read more at CNN.com

(Source: CNN)