"The US state of Texas is battling an outbreak of the West Nile virus, with 17 deaths being blamed on the mosquito-borne disease, authorities said Wednesday."

"Throughout the state, 381 people have been sickened since the start of the year, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

"Texas is on track to have the most cases of West Nile illness since the disease first emerged in the state in 2002," it said in a statement."

AFP had the story August 15, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Dallas In State of Emergency After West Nile Virus" (BBC News) [3]

"Aerial Spraying for West Nile To Start Tonight In Dallas, Park Cities" (Dallas Morning News) [4]

West Nile Virus Info/Update Page: Centers for Disease Control [5]