KALAMAZOO, MI -- A case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a Kalamazoo County resident, according to the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department.

The case, confirmed Monday, Sept. 19, is the first known case of West Nile Virus in Kalamazoo County this year.

West Nile Virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. It cannot be spread through casual contact with another person, such as touching or kissing.

About 80 percent of people who become infected with the virus don't develop any symptoms, and about one in five infected people will develop a fever with symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with these symptoms recover fully, according to the county health department.

Less than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, stiffness of the neck, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, vision loss and numbness. Recovery may take many weeks or months, and the neurological effects may be permanent in some cases.

Anyone who develops symptoms of severe West Nile Virus should seek immediate medical attention.

The county health department gives the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:

Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, especially from dusk until dawn.

When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Use mosquito repellent according to label directions.

Ensure that door and window screens are secured and in good repair.

Eliminate standing and stagnant water from outdoor containers (buckets, flower pots, etc.).

Horse owners should contact their veterinarian to have horses vaccinated