More new West Nile virus cases in the Sooner state are confirmed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“Today we’re showing an increase of four cases of West Nile Virus this week, bringing our total in Oklahoma this year to 154 cases,” said health department Public Information Officer Pamela Williams.

Compared to past years, Williams says, “This is a significant jump from what we’re used to seeing for West Nile Virus cases.” 

What we’re used to seeing in Oklahoma in terms of West Nile is an average of about 33 cases a year since 2002. 

Williams says there is good news. 

“We’re beginning to see a decline in the number of cases posting every week.  But we won’t really be rid of mosquitos until we get a hard freeze.”

Health officials urge everyone to continue using mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

West Nile has now claimed nine lives in Oklahoma in 2012. 

The latest victim is 78-year-old John Archer of Muskogee.