New York, Aug 30 : Two deaths from West Nile virus have been reported in Wisconsin and one in Illinois — the first such deaths in those states this year, according to the state health departments.

 The CDC said Thursday that it has received reports of 18 deaths from West Nile across the country so far this year, according to preliminary data.

Overall, the CDC has received 289 reports of West Nile cases in 33 states this year.

Of those cases, 195 have been neuroinvasive, in which the virus invades the brain and nervous system.

This can lead to complications such as brain swelling, brain damage or death. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes.