First human West Nile virus case of 2015 reported in Rosebud County

The Franklin County Mosquito Control District tests for the virus through the county on a weekly basis.

The release says the best way to prevent West Nile virus or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitos around the home and to take the personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Two other confirmed cases were reported in June in McIntosh and Okfuskee counties in the eastern half of the state.

People over 50 years old, as well as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or an immune compromising condition are more likely to contract the virus, according to Melissa Ney of the Umatilla County Public Health Department.

©2015 by The Associated Press.

A very small percentage of those infected with West Nile Virus (less than 1 percent), “develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues)”, writes the CDC. Not everyone who contracts West Nile Virus develops symptoms.

DENVER (CBS4)- The mosquito population along the Front Range is ready to surge and with that so are concerns for the West Nile virus.

These are the first positive tests for WNV this year, despite the increased rainfall and moisture levels. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. Anyone living within an area where the virus has been detected is at risk so those in Illinois, California, South Dakota, Washington, Nebraska, Idaho and New York should do all they can to avoid getting bit by West Nile-positive mosquitoes. Symptoms of West Nile virus in humans may include fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, confusion, stiff neck, nausea, and sometimes a rash.

On average, Lancaster County sees about eight West Nile cases per 100,000 people each year.

Residents are asked to help eliminate the areas that mosquitoes need to breed by emptying, removing or covering any receptacle that can hold water.

All Day, every day: Whenever you are outside, use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. However, the most important to prevent mosquitoes is through the dumping of standing water. The infected adult was hospitalized and is reported to be recovering.

People who live in mosquito-infested areas should wear long sleeves, light colored clothing.