There have been three more cases of the West Nile Virus in humans reported in South Carolina.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control said Monday that there are now four people who have tested positive for the West Nile Virus in the state.
Three middle-aged men from Lexington County, Richland County and Orangeburg County now have the virus along with the Charleston woman who was reported last week.
The West Nile Virus is a disease of birds that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which got the virus from feeding on a bird with the disease.
People who are infected will experience flu-like symptoms. Medical officials say the risk of serious illness is low for humans, but those infected need to seek medical attention as the virus can potentially be deadly if someone develops encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain.
South Carolina Radio Network’s Tripp Girardeau contributed to this report.
