LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- It's the worst outbreak of West Nile since 2004, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC stated as of Tuesday, 693 cases in 32 states have been reported.
26 Americans have died as a result of the virus carried by infected mosquitoes.
In Arkansas, 10 cases have been reported by the Arkansas Health Department, compared to one case in 2011. One of those cases was just added on Thursday.
According to the Arkansas Health Department, 20 percent of those infected show symptoms including: fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
Dr. Susan Weinstein, with the Arkansas Department of Health, said precaution is essential, and people of all ages are susceptible to West Nile Virus.
"The age range has been from 36 up to 77," Dr. Weinstein said. "In most of us if we get it, we may not even know it."
A full list of symptoms can be found at the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/symptoms.htm
"Well there is a way to prevent it. Prevent mosquito bites. There isn't a vaccine, and there really isn't a specific drug that treats it, once you get it," Dr. Weinstein said.
The Arkansas Health Department is urging the "Four D's" ... Drain any standing water in the yard. The second is to take extra precaution being outdoors at dusk and dawn the time when mosquitoes are particularly active. And use Deet, a pesticide found in insect repellent.
Despite the spike in cases, the risks of contracting the West Nile Virus, Weinstein said, are small.
"The risk of getting bitten by an infected mosquito and going on to a serious consequence is less than one percent," Weinstein said. "It's just beginning to be nice enough outside, not so incredibly hot, where we can go out and enjoy it. But let's just be smart about it and use mosquito protection."
In Texas, 17 people have died as a result of the virus, prompting Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings on Wednesday to declare an emergency. This declaration will allow aerial spraying to kill the mosquitoes in Texas.
For those traveling into states like Texas, Weinstein said to take the same precautions.
Twitter: @BuhrmanM.