Two more states confirm cases of the West Nile Virus

Two states reported human cases of the West Nile virus for the first time on Wednesday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 24 deaths nationwide from the mosquito-borne virus and have confirmed 480 human cases in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

North Dakota reported its first two human cases of the illness in a 74-year-old woman who is recovering from a high fever and a 39-year-old man. Neither of the victims is seriously ill, said Dr. Craig Lambrecht, the Health Department’s medical officer.

A 50-year-old Iowa man, released from a hospital Tuesday after nine days, also had been ill with West Nile, health officials said. Duane Meierotto said he initially sought treatment for a sore throat and a headache.

Also, Arkansas officials said Wednesday the CDC confirmed its first human case, that of a person who became ill last month.