Taft Midway Driller West Nile Virus has been found in an undisclosed location in Kern County, the Kern County Public Health Department said Friday. West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes most often during the summer and early fall when WNV-carrying mosquitoes are most active, public health said. While many mosquito-borne illnesses such as WNV cause only mild symptoms in most people, the infection can cause severe illness and even death in rare cases. Up to 20% of people who become infected with WNV will have symptoms that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a skin rash. Less than 1% will develop severe illness affecting the brain and/or nervous system, with symptoms that can include high fever, neck stiffness, and confusion. We encourage concerned residents who are experiencing symptoms to contact their medical provider.