Concern is growing over the West Nile virus that has killed 19 Americans this year after being carried by mosquitoes.

The virus has been known to cause paralysis, meningitis, and even death with currently no cure for the disease.

The fear has grown after Los Angeles County confirmed on Monday that it has had its first death this year due to the virus.

As reported by KTLA5, the resident, who has not been identified, died from a neuro-invasive disease related to the West Nile virus.

The recent death now takes the toll to four to pass from the virus in California this year, which is the same total as in Maricopa County, Arizona.

The latest victim in the state of Arizona was 86-year-old Donald Streets, who died on Friday, as reported by ABC15.

New York senator Chuck Schumer has called on the federal government to help the state control mosquitos after 1,000 pools of stagnant water in New York City tested positive for West Nile Virus, reports FOX5.

He said: “This is actually one of the worst mosquito seasons that we have had in recent memory.

“Even more concerning, these mosquitoes can spread the deadly West Nile Virus.”

New York City has reported cases of West Nile virus in all of its five boroughs.

The virus has spread to several states including North Dakota reporting a death and Nebraska has recorded two deaths, although both individuals had underlying health conditions.

Utah, Arkansas, New Jersey, Idaho and South Dakota have also each reported one death from West Nile virus with Colorado and Texas confirming two.

There have also been 43 states to have reported cases of the virus in either animals or humans.

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The virus currently has no vaccine or cure so the only way of protection is avoiding a bite from a bite.

West Nile virus, which is non-contagious, was first discovered in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937.

Most sufferers have no symptoms, however some can develop a skin rash and mild flu-like symptoms in mild cases.

Vulnerable patients and people over the age of 50 are most at risk with infections causing muscle weakness, confusion, paralysis, and seizures, according to the WHO.

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