More reports of people with West Nile vVirus were reported last week, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

The 16 new cases bring the year-to-date total of human cases to 39. Four people were hospitalized, bringing the total hospitalizations to eight.

"It isn't anything unusual," West Nile virus Surveillance Coordinator Michelle Feist said.

At this point last year, there were 34 reports of humans with West Nile virus. August is the peak of West Nile virus in North Dakota. The cases in humans hit a peak the end of August last year and in the first week of August in 2004, the end of August in 2003 and the first week of September in 2002.

No deaths have been reported since the man from southeastern North Dakota died. Last week the Department of Health reported a man in his 60s died while hospitalized. He had an underlying medical condition, according to the health department.

West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. Feist recommends using insect repellent with DEET to prevent mosquito bites.

The mosquito numbers are lower this year compared to last year, Feist said, but people should still take precautions. There are just about as many occurrences of humans with West Nile virus as last year, despite the fewer mosquitoes.

"People do need to be aware," she said.

If a person has had West Nile virus in the past, they could have an immunity to it, but there are instances of reinfection, Feist said.

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus - up to 80 percent - do not show symptoms. Those who do show symptoms have a range of symptoms from body ache, nausea and headache that can vary in severity, Feist said. The most severe cases of West Nile virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis. It can result in death.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)