WAYNE — The Wayne County Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Wayne County. Both individuals, an adult female and male, were hospitalized with WNV meningitis. They have since been treated and discharged.

West Nile virus is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The majority of individuals infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms. A minority of patients develop symptoms that may include a fever, rash, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, GI symptoms, fatigue and weakness. Less than 1% of cases develop neuroinvasive WNV disease, which typically presents as meningitis, encephalitis and/or paralysis. Currently, there is no vaccine for humans against West Nile virus.

The best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. To find out how to avoid the cause of WNV call the Wayne County West Nile virus Hotline at 734.727.7445, or visithttp://www.waynecounty.com/hhs_ph_westnile.htm or www.cdc.gov. Residents who have additional questions or are experiencing symptoms, should call the Wayne County Environmental Health Division at 734.727.7400.