Officials: West Nile virus season has peaked as colder weather sets in

ATLANTA - The worst of the West Nile virus season is over as states are reporting fewer cases thanks to colder weather. <br> <br> CDC officials say the virus has been found in 3,495 people in 39 states this year, and 204 people have died from it. <br> <br> Mosquitoes may still be active all year in warmer parts of the country such as the South. But health officials expect infection rates to be smaller than during summer months. <br> <br> The colder weather allows health officials to begin preparing for next year&#39;s mosquito season with more aggressive control efforts. <br> <br> Among those are creating more efficient ways to disperse insecticide, treating standing water and scouting out areas that may be habitats for mosquitoes during the summer season.