Fresno County West Nile Virus case confirmed by health department

FRESNO, California (KFSN) -- The Fresno County Department of Health said a man in Fresno has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is Fresno County's first case in 2016.

"Confirmation of this case is a strong reminder that West Nile Virus is still present in our County and everyone should increase efforts to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites," states Dr. Ken Bird, Health Officer, Fresno County Department of Public Health.

In 2015, a total of 783 people caught the virus and 53 people died. There were no fatalities due to the virus last year.

The health department is urging residents to use insect repellant, make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens, and eliminate standing water from around homes. They said resident can also get free mosquito fish for backyard ponds or horse troughs from the mosquito abatement districts. Call (559) 896-1085 for more information.