West Nile Virus has claimed five lives in the US this mosquito season with the latest deaths reported in New Jersey State Health officials are urging people to take precautions two people in Wisconsin and one in Illinois have also died Wisconsin reported an additional hospitalization and Illinois confirmed three recent cases including one death Dr Samir Vora from Illinois's Department of Public Health warns that West Nile Virus poses a serious risk especially to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems West Nile Virus spreads through mosquito bites While most don't show symptoms one in May 5th develop fever headaches and other symptoms severe cases can be fatal Dr Anthony fouchy recently recovered from West Nile Virus after being hospitalized with fever and severe fatigue the CDC reports 289 cases across 33 States remember there's no vaccine or specific treatment so take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites we insect repellent stay indoors during Peak mosquito hours and remove standing water around your home