BAKERSFIELD
Health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year in Kern County.
The county health department says a test last month confirmed that an adult who had symptoms of the disease in August was infected. A test done at the time showed no sign of the virus.
The person wasn’t hospitalized and has recovered.
The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, serious illness or death.
The single case in 2008 compares with 140 cases last year – more than any other county in the state.
Kern County officials took steps earlier this year to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, such as stagnant pools of water.
Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com
