Bismarck  (CSi)  The North Dakota Department of Health  has confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus  disease for the season.

The two cases reside in LaMoure and Barnes Counties and were not hospitalized for their illnesses.

In 2016, the State Health Department reported that  85 people had West Nile virus. Of those, 28 were hospitalized and two died. West Nile virus was also confirmed in five horses, one squirrel and six birds.

So far this year,  three birds from Grand Forks County have tested positive for  the virus.

To help avoid contracting the virus, state and local health officials urge people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and get rid of any stagnant water around their homes.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches and rash.