Man Becomes First West Nile Case Of 2011

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) -- California has its first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in 2011.

The state's department of public health said in a statement that a man in Santa Barbara County contracted the disease.

Officials say the man was hospitalized but is now recovering at home. They did not release is name or age, or say when or how he contracted the disease.

Chief Deputy Director Kathleen Billingsley said Friday that state and county health officials will now intensify their surveillance for the virus.

West Nile virus is commonly transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Most of those infected show no symptoms but some have flulike signs or a rash. It can be deadly in rare cases.

Billingsley suggests people wear insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bites.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)