RACINE COUNTY - The county's three municipal health departments issued a joint press release late Friday afternoon announcing the county's first confirmed human case of West Nile virus this year.

No further details regarding the residence, age or gender of the victim was included in the release. But Margaret Gesner, health officer for the Caledonia/Mount Pleasant health department, Marcia Fernholz, director of environmental health for the City of Racine, and Cheryl Mazmanian, health officer for the Western Racine County Health Department, advised residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remember that mosquito season does not end until three significant freezes occur.

The chances of a person contracting the virus are very low, the officials said, and most people infected with West Nile will not have any symptoms. Those who do become ill may develop a fever, headache and rash that lasts a few days. Symptoms may begin between three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause severe disease with symptoms such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.

Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of severe disease from the virus.

There is no specific treatment for the virus other than to treat symptoms. The health officials advised if residents believe they have West Nile virus infection, they should contact their health care provider.

The virus is not transmitted person to person, the health officials said.

Although few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, tips to minimize your exposure include:

n Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically dawn and dusk.

n Use effective mosquito repellent and apply according to the label instructions.

n Keep window screens repaired so mosquitoes cannot enter your home.

n Dispose of discarded tires, cans or other containers left outside that may contain standing water.

n Turn over wading pools, hot tub covers, wheel barrows, boats and canoes when not in use.

n Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will drain properly.

n Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they drain properly.

n Change the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every 3-4 days.

n Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these places to rest during hot daylight hours.

n Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

In 2007, 12 Wisconsin residents developed the West Nile virus infection. So far this year, West Nile virus has been found in five humans, 31 birds and three horses in 23 Wisconsin counties.

Local health departments and the state Department of Health Services will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To help with the surveillance effort, Racine County residents should report sick or dead crows and blue jays to the Dead Bird Hotline at (800) 433-1610.

For more information regarding West Nile virus, go to: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/westNilevirus/