ATLANTA (AP) -- The West Nile Virus is spreading faster than federal health officials had expected, with the number of cases tripling to at least 164 since last week.
In the latest warning about the rapid advance of the mosquito-borne disease, Dr. Julie Gerberding, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday that this year's tally will likely break last year's record.
"The numbers are starting to change very, very quickly," said Gerberding. "That is very concerning."
State health officials report seven people - all of them elderly - have died from the virus. Four of the deaths were reported in Colorado, the hardest-hit state.
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