COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The first human case of West Nile virus in Ohio this year has been reported in Clermont County, the state health department said Wednesday.

A 44-year-old man from the southwestern Ohio county is recovering from the West Nile infection and did not require hospitalization, the department said. Last year, the department reported 17 human cases of the infection.

West Nile virus is usually contracted through a mosquito bite. About 1 in 5 people who become infected develop a fever that could be accompanied by headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1 percent develop a serious neurologic illness such as meningitis.

This year, 29 of Ohio's 88 counties have reported West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes collected as part of state monitoring.

State Epidemiologist and Bureau Chief of Infectious Disease Sietske de Fijter said Ohio could see more positive mosquito samples and human cases of West Nile this time of year.

"This case serves to remind Ohioans that they should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus," de Fijter said in a news release.

The department recommends eliminating standing water around your home and offers these tips to avoid mosquito bites: