Ohio reports first human cases of West Nile virus

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s first two human cases of West Nile Virus in 2014 were identified Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Health.

A 24-year-old female in Muskingum County and a 78-year-old female in Cuyahoga County have been hospitalized with encephalitis.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain and is caused when someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. This is the primary way people get the West Nile Virus.

"We could possibly see a growing number of human cases of the West Nile Virus infection and positive mosquito samples throughout the state,” said Dr. Mary DiOrio, health department state epidemiologist. “Ohioans should remain vigilant and take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”