The first two human cases of the West Nile virus have been reported in Mobile County this year, and public health officials are warning residents to keep mosquito repellent with them whenever they are outdoors.

No details were provided about the cases due to patient privacy rights under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). They were first reported by the Mobile County Health Department on Monday.

Dr. Kevin Michaels, the Health Office in Mobile County — in a news release — is warning residents to reduce exposure to mosquitos if they are taking part in outdoor activities and to always keep mosquito repellent with them whenever outdoors. In addition, Michaels recommends people to drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying, cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house and to cover skin with clothing or to spray with appropriate repellant.

Products containing 25% DEET typically provides up to eight hours of insect repellant.

The risk of the virus is highest from August until the first free in the fall. Vector Services will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas where the virus was discovered, according to the Public Health Department. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for presence of West Nile Virus.

An online portal is available to help with the public’s request for assistance from Vector Services and to receive feedback on their request to deal with mosquitoes or rodents. To learn more, visit, https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link or a QR code to access the new online portal for ordering services. People can also call 251-690-8124 for Mosquito Control.

West Nile Virus is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird. Mosquitoes can spread the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal, such as a humor or a horse.

Human with West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases can have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention. In the rare condition, West Nile Virus can cause death. The seriousness of an illness may depend on a person’s age and health.

West Nile Virus is the most common of mosquito-borne illnesses. Of the 49 cases of mosquito illnesses last year in Alabama, 29 were diagnosed as West Nile Virus.