Three Chico residents have been confirmed to have contracted West Nile Virus. These are the first human cases of the virus in Butte County this year, and Butte County Public health says all three are separate and unrelated. Officials say all three are adults, with two suffering the more severe version of West Nile and the third person experiencing a less invasive fever. As of this week, West Nile Virus activity has been detected in 35 counties in California with 22 human cases statewide and health officials are urging everyone to use bug spray, avoid being outdoors and dawn and dusk and to drain all sources of standing water on your property. West Nile season is June through October in Butte County.