The State Health Department confirmed that the West Nile virus continues its spread across the country with new mosquito samples testing positive in Dutchess County and Benton County.

The authorities have begun a careful surveillance program meant to determine which areas present a significant infection risk and, in order to offer the population reliable information, the tests target not only mosquitoes but also birds, which are the most susceptible to the virus. The virus’ route starts from birds, which are bitten by mosquitoes that spread it to humans and other animals.

The Benton County Mosquito Control District found the infected mosquitoes during its routine monitoring program. "Finding positive mosquitoes alerts us that West Nile is active in our area and people should take steps to avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection," said Susan Shelton, the Benton-Franklin Health District's environmental health specialist. "Traditionally, the risk of West Nile infection increases in August and September and it is possible we will see cases in local animals and people this year." The good news is that once September ends, the cool autumn weather will lead to a significantly lower number of infections, as mosquitoes easily dissappear once winter approaches.

Even though the virus infects a considerable number of people, the symptoms appear just for a few and range from a febrile state marked by coughing, excessive sweating, headaches, chills, weakness and drowsiness to a neuro-invasive disease known as West Nile meningitis that puts the patients into a near-coma state.