West Nile Virus, a single-stranded RNA virus has been spreading in the U.S. with two confirmed deaths being reported recently, and at least 18 deaths throughout the year.

The two deaths have been reported in Wisconsin and Illinois, state health departments have stated.

As per CDC reports 289 West Nile virus cases were received in 33 states. Out of them, 195 cases are “neuroinvasive” in which the viral invades the brain and the nervous system and can cause complications such as “brain swelling”, “brain damage” or even “death”.

According to a news report, an 18 years old boy John Procter was paralyzed in St. Louis County, Missouri after he was infected by West Nile Virus. His symptoms started appearing on August 8, which have turned complicated now.