Virginia health officials say that a record number of human cases from West Nile have been reported in the state

Mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus.
(IStock)

Heads up, Virginians: The Virginia Department of Health announced this week that a record number of West Nile human cases have occurred in the state this year.

On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health announced that 38 cases of West Nile virus in humans had been reported in the state on Oct. 1, according to the Associated Press.

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Mosquitoes are largely responsible for the spread of West Nile virus, which begins when creatures are infected by feeding on infected birds. "Infected mosquitoes then transmit West Nile virus to humans and other animals by biting them," according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Most people who are infected do not have symptoms, warns the CDC. However, a small percentage of people – about 1 in 5 – develop fever and may also have headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, among other signs of the virus.

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Mr Norman Oliver, State Commissioner for Health, said that mosquitoes carrying the virus could possibly infect the inhabitants until the end of October.

At the same time, Oliver recommended that Virginians take precautionary measures, such as using an insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts, and removing stagnant water from bird baths and planters – places conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes.

Associated Press contributed to this report.