WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WAOW) - Wood county health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year – urging residents to take extra precautions against mosquitoes.

Officials say the virus is most common this time of year, and that makes protecting yourself from mosquitoes more important than ever.

West Nile is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

80% of people infected don't show symptoms, but health officials say it can be serious — and in rare cases -- even deadly.

"Around 20% of folks will experience mild symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, joint pains, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, photophobia," says Erica Sherman, Public Health Nurse Supervisor at Wood County Health Department.

And less than 1% of those infected will experience brain swellin

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