Health officials from Kern County have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus infection this year in the county. The West Nile virus-infected person, an adult between the age of 40 and 50, was not hospitalized and has recovered.

The situation was much better this year compared to last year, when there were 140 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus. The situation was attributed to hundreds of abandoned swimming pools in foreclosed homes.

This year, Kern County officials took steps to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, such as stagnant pools of water. A single source of standing water can produce millions of mosquitoes, which can pose health risks to a large area.

Giving this situation, Kern County officials remind people to reduce their risk of mosquito bites by limiting their time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear insect repellent containing DEET and eliminate all sources of standing water. People are encouraged to report dead birds to health agencies for testing.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches; skin rash or fatigue; and weakness. Severe infections are marked by rapid onset of high fever, head and body aches, tremors, convulsions, and, in rare cases, paralysis and death. People older than 50 and those with a weakened immune system have the highest risk for serious illness. Most people who are infected do not develop any symptoms.