(Butte County, CA) – The Butte County Department of Public Health is reporting their first case of human West Nile virus infection this year, bringing the total number state-wide to eight.

Human West Nile virus infection generally takes three forms: 80% get it but do not realize it, as immune systems repel it with no symptoms present. 19-1/2% of people experience mild to moderate body ache – while half of 1% experience severe illness with neurological symptoms. That includes encephalitis, which may become permanent and occasionally fatal.