O.C. health officials confirm county's first human case of West Nile virus

Known as a vector for the West Nile virus, this Culex quinquefasciatus Image courtesy CDC/Jim Gathany. (Photo via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images).

A Tustin woman in her 50s was confirmed on Monday to have the first human case of West Nile virus in Orange County this year.

"West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall," Dr. Nichole Quick, the county's health officer, said in a statement. "The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites."

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According to the OC Health Care Agency, there were 12 human cases of West Nile virus in the county last year, and one death.