The most recent human cases of West Nile virus infection are a Grand Forks resident who was diagnosed with West Nile virus more than two weeks ago and a second human case which was reported in Tippecanoe County. Suffolk health officials suspect they have identified another case of the virus. So far this year four birds tested positive for West Nile virus infection and officials have identified 109 pools of mosquitoes across 25 counties in Indiana, according to Indiana State Department of Health officials. The second human case of the West Nile virus this year was reported in Tippecanoe County, state health officials said.

The person from Grand Forks was diagnosed with West Nile virus symptoms more than two weeks ago and was hospitalized in Altru Hospital, Don Shields, public health director for Grand Forks city and county, said Tuesday, according to a local source. The man started feeling ill and went to his doctor, where he tested positive for the virus in an initial blood test; he was hospitalized in late August with West Nile symptoms. He is now in rehabilitation at home, Don Shields said. Shields said the victim probably got the virus in mid-August.

Reports reveal that elderly people face a higher risk of contracting the virus and falling ill, but here has been reported a series of cases of infection involving individuals under the age of 50, authorities said. However, the alarming fact is that nearly 70% of those infected this year have contracted the more dangerous form of the virus – the West Nile neuroinvasive disease termed West Nile meningitis or encephalitis.

Health officials remind residents that September is still a high-risk period for exposure to the virus which is transmitted through mosquito bites.

The risk of human infection is nearly five times higher than in previous years. In 2004, Southern California experienced 710 human West Nile virus cases and 21 people died. In the next two years, the infections declined, but their number increased again last year. West Nile virus is a virus of the family Flaviviridae, which is part of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) antigenic complex of viruses. The West Nile virus can be spread through insects’ biting or blood transfusion. It is found both in tropical and temperate regions. Its symptoms can have three different stages in humans. The first stage is represented by unnoticeable symptoms: people can be infected without being aware of it. The next level includes symptoms similar with those of flu. The final stage can lead to loss of consciousness. The West Nile virus can seldom lead to meningitis or death.

In order to avoid the contamination with the virus, people are advised by the authorities to avoid exposure at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wear insect repellent containing permethrin or DEET on top of clothing and wear long sleeves and pants while outdoors. About 20 percent of the people who are exposed to West Nile virus end up with fever. A blood test can detect the presence of the virus. Elderly people, those with chronic medical infections and children are advised to be more attentive, as their immune system is weakened.