Minnesota reports season’s 1st case of West Nile

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota health officials are reporting the state’s first confirmed case of West Nile virus for 2012.

Officials say a St. Louis County man became ill in late May after traveling to south-central Minnesota. He was hospitalized and is recovering.

The Minnesota Department of Health is urging Minnesotans to use mosquito repellent regularly. The risk is highest from mid-summer to early autumn.

About 1 of 150 people bitten by mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus develop central nervous system disease. About 10 percent of those infected die, and many survivors have long-term problems.

Since West Nile virus was discovered in Minnesota in 2002, the state has received reports of 465 cases, including 15 deaths.