Human cases of West Nile virus in Nebraska this year has reached 23 after the confirmation of 10 new cases.

The state Department of Health and Human Services says the new cases are in Cedar, Dawes, Holt, Keya Paha, Kimball, Nemaha, Polk, Saline, Sarpy and Scotts Bluff counties.

Previously, one case had been confirmed in each of the following counties: Cass, Dodge, Keith, Merrick, Platte, Sanders and York. There were two cases each in Adams and Douglas counties.

West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

The health department says 163 cases of the disease were reported in Nebraska last year.