FOLEY — The Baldwin County Health Department announced Wednesday morning that five possible cases of West Nile Virus in humans are under investigation in Baldwin County.

According to Baldwin County Health Department Public Information Officer Kimberly Taylor, the suspected cases were reported within the last week.

“Currently, those cases are located in southern Baldwin County,” she said in a phone interview. “Three of those are in the hospital.”

Taylor added that one case involves one of the more severe scenarios.

“One person has experienced severe neurological issues,” she said.

Taylor explained that West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause such symptoms as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare instances — fewer than 1 percent of cases — the virus can cause severe neurological damage or death.

“But it can happen,” Taylor said, adding that 10 percent of confirmed West Nile Virus cases involving severe neurological issues also lead to death.

She explained that no cure is available for West Nile, but early treatment of the symptoms is vital to curtailing development of the virus.

“It’s going to prevent further complications,” the public information officer said.

As for the five possible cases, the Baldwin Health Department learned of them when residents with symptoms sought medical treatment.

“Our surveillance teams get referrals,” Taylor said, adding that such referrals come from physicians and hospital emergency rooms.

Taylor explained that for these suspected cases, blood work was conducted and submitted to the department and subsequently to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is currently testing for West Nile.

She added that at least one case West Nile Virus is reported every year in the United States, although data for the last confirmed Baldwin County case was unavailable.

“What we have this year (in Baldwin County), is more cases reported with symptoms,” Taylor said.

She urges Baldwin County residents to be proactive in preventing the virus, adding that it is especially important for some.

“The elderly and children are more susceptible,” Taylor said.

As are residents with underlying health issues.

But, Taylor said, residents can take steps to prevent West Nile while spending time outdoors.

“Definitely use insect repellent,” she said, “and long sleeves and pants.”

Taylor added that mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk hours. In addition, they are attracted to standing water.

“If there is standing water in containers in your yard, empty it out or change it,” she said.

Residents do have an option if standing water can’t be removed.

“We offer a larvacide disk that can be placed in the water,” she said, adding that residents can get the free disks at the Baldwin County Health Department’s Robertsdale office. “We give those out.”