Two human cases of West Nile virus – the first in Riverside County this year – were confirmed by Riverside University Health System – Public Health the week of Aug. 14, serving as a reminder that residents should take steps to protect against mosquitoes, which transmit the disease.One of the affected residents, from western Riverside County, has required hospitalization. The other individual, from the San Gorgonio Pass area, is recovering at home. There are no indications that the two cases are related.The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Health officials emphasized that the overall risk of serious illness to humans is low.Most individuals who are infected with the virus will n
