The Cypress Health Region is noticing a significant increase in West Nile cases in the southwest this summer.

     As of yesterday afternoon, 30 confirmed cases have been detected in individuals who mostly showed no symptoms of the virus.

     However, there has also been two cases of the more severe form of the virus, which can lead to neurological symptoms.

     Dr. Khami Chokani is Medical Health Officer for the region, and says most of the cases were found through the Canadian Blood Services blood donor clinic.

     Chokani stresses as the mosquito population begins to thin out for the summer, the risk of catching West Nile will also increase, due to how late the virus arrived this year.