Bird theory Health ministry officials say they do not know if the epidemic has already reached its peak. The virus, which mosquitoes spread from infected birds to human beings, attacks the brain. It causes paralysis and death in more susceptible victims. The health ministry is now following the example of New York officials earlier this year - spraying residential areas and telling people to cover themselves in insect repellent. It is not known what exact circumstances have triggered the epidemic.
Most theories cite a combination of factors, including the weather and migrating birds.
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