The Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) confirmed that three Jefferson County residents have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, in a press conference held Wednesday afternoon.  

Two patients remain hospitalized, while the third has been released, according to Edward Khan the medical director for JCHD. 

“The affected individuals are from Southside, West End and Kimberly,” Khan said in Wednesday’s press conference.  

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, there have been 14 people infected with the virus in the state this year.  However, there were nine other cases that they have investigated as of Aug. 25. One person has died this year from the virus. 

West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes after they feed on birds that are infected with the virus, according to JCHD. 

Approximately one in five people who are infected will actually develop symptoms.  Mild symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to JCHD. 

JCHD says less than one percent of people infected with the virus will develop serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis.