More West Nile cases confirmed

ST. LOUIS -- Preliminary tests show that nine more cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Missouri, health officials said Tuesday. That brings to 46 the number of cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the state.

All nine of the new cases were from the St. Louis area -- seven from St. Louis city, one from St. Louis County and one from St. Charles County.

Except for a 38-year-old St. Louis County woman, all of the latest cases involved people age 50 or older.

The virus is most dangerous for children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems.

Preliminary results have been sent to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

West Nile symptoms usually occur seven to 10 days after infection.

They are generally similar to the flu -- fever, chills, headache, neck pain and aching muscles.

In rare cases, the virus can cause swelling of the brain and prove fatal.

People can diminish their chances of getting the virus by avoiding mosquitoes through the use of repellents containing DEET or by limiting the amount of time spent outside when mosquitoes are most active.

Eliminating pools of water also cuts down on places for mosquitoes to breed.