Most human cases don't begin to appear until mid-July, and if this year is like the past few years, more human cases will be reported by the state Department of Health and Hospitals each week.

Most People Fight It Off

Last year, there were 114 cases of West Nile and seven deaths and in 2003 there were 122 cases and seven deaths from the disease. The year with the highest number of West Nile cases in Louisiana was 2002, when the state experienced 329 cases and 25 deaths.

DHH on Tuesday confirmed new cases from Iberville and Livingston parishes. Both were the neuro-invasive form of the disease, which means the patients suffered some inflammation and possible damage to their brains, brain linings or spinal cords.

Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will fight off the disease with few, if any, symptoms.

Brain Damage, Death Possible

West Nile virus, which is a bird virus, is spread to humans through mosquito bites. It begins with flu-like symptoms and in extreme cases can lead to brain damage or death.

Health officials believe both cases of the virus were contracted in early July.

Last week, DHH announced two human cases of West Nile virus from Livingston Parish. One woman developed neuro-invasive disease from West Nile and another woman developed the milder form of the virus. Both women are recovering at home.