Washington, Aug 2 (IANS): Four people have died in the US after being infected with the West Nile virus, Xinhua reported.

The deaths were among 241 cases of West Nile virus infection detected in 42 states so far this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday.

Almost 80 percent of the cases were reported from Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

The West Nile virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. In the US, most people are infected from June-September. West Nile cases usually peaks in mid-August.

Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

About 10 percent of those who develop serious neurologic illness die.

There are no medications to treat or prevent West Nile virus infection.

According to CDC, the best way to prevent the infection is to avoid mosquito bites.