Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - The West Nile virus is back in 2010 and has returned just in time for the 4th of July weekend.

Health officials across the United States have been preparing for this for months, as it has now been confirmed that the West Nile virus has been detected in various areas across the United States.

Those who are the most vulnerable to the West Nile virus include those who are elderly, pregnant, or infants.

The West Nile virus can be detected via flu-like symptoms which include fever, headaches, runny nose, coughing, etc.

In more serious cases, the West Nile virus can cause other issues such as brain damage resulting in death.

Officials have statred the process of spraying for the West Nile virus in an attempt to keep the mosquito population at bay.

The warm weather is always known to bring the mosquitoes, and they are able to transmit the virus by biting humans.

Usually mosquitoes are infected by the virus after they eat the bodies of dead poultry, such as birds.

Wearing long pants and sleeves as well as bug spray when outdoors can go a long way to prevent the disease.

Infected states so far include New York, California, North Carolina, and Washington.