(FOX40.COM) — San Joaquin County officials confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus of the year so far on Tuesday afternoon.

The SJC Public Health Service said the virus was found on an elderly male patient, making this the 61st human case in California so far and the 14th within the country.

Health officials said in a statement that the "mosquito-borne disease was first found in California in 2003 and is now being detected throughout the state.

According to Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County Public Health Officer, “Mosquito bite prevention is always the best course of action, and we encourage the residents of our county to protect themselves by wearing EPA-approved repellents and following CDPH vector protection guidelines.”

SJCPH is asking community members to be aware of s

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