Mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus have been reported in several states across the nation including Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Virginia and Connecticut.

Cases of humans infected with West Nile Virus have been reported this week in Arizona Louisiana and Texas, according to CBS News. One woman was infected in Phoenix, three cases were reported so far in July in Texas and one in Louisiana.

About one in 150 people infected with west Nile virus will develop severe illness, according to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention. But approximately 80 percent of infected people (about 4 out of 5), will not show any symptoms at all.

Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

Officials have found mosquitoes carrying the virus in New Orleans, Virginia, Boston and Connecticut, according to media reports by the Associated Press and CBS.

The West Nile Virus spreads by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.

There is no specific treatment for the infection and they are often treated with intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.

West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe it is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.

Ways to prevent mosquito bites are using insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, place screens on windows and doors and emptying standing water from containers to get rid of mosquito breeding.

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