West Nile, the disease which affected nearly 175,000 people in the US last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may spread even faster this year. West Nile virus has been found in two more mosquito samples that were collected this month in Huntington, Suffolk County Department of Health officials said.

Four crows and one blue jay also tested positive in Huntington. The samples were collected on July 16 and 17.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals by infected mosquitoes. The virus lives in the mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on a bird with the virus in its blood. It is then transmitted to a new host when the mosquito bites a person or an animal. The symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, body ache, a rash, nausea and vomiting. Many people recover from the virus without ever realizing they were infected; but in a small percentage of cases, it can be life-threatening.

Scientists believe the disease developed along the Nile in Uganda a thousand years ago.

In 2004, four people died in the county and 28 statewide after they were infected with the West Nile virus.

Prevention is the best way to avoid contracting West Nile virus. Officials offered advice on prevention of West Nile virus that can help you in the battle with mosquitoes: avoid mosquito infected areas, eliminate standing water that attracts the insects, put insect repellents on exposed skin and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are present. People older than 50, those with chronic medical affections and children are advised to be more attentive.