Two more cases of West Nile virus have been reported by the Kane County Health Department. According to the department, a 70-year-old man and 75-year-old woman from Pingree Grove have been attacked by the virus.

Both were hospitalized and have since shown improvement. With this, number of West Nile virus cases in people has reached three in Kane County until now this year.

Human cases of West Nile virus are mostly seen in late summer and early fall. This summer has been comparatively hot and dry and this condition is perfect for the culex mosquito, which is known to carry West Nile virus. There is possibility of seeing more cases in people before end of the season.

The virus is transmitted, when a mosquito carrying the virus bites. Such mosquito picks up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The majority of people infected with the virus show no clinical symptoms of disease; however, some may fall ill three to 14 days following an infected mosquito bites.

Nearly two persons out of 10 who are attacked by an infected mosquito will experience any sickness. And sickness from West Nile is generally mild and headache, fever and body aches occur as a result of it. However, serious illness, like meningitis and encephalitis, and death could also be caused by it. People, who are older than 50 years, have the highest risk of severe illness.