WHITE PLAINS – The first human case of West Nile Virus in Westchester County this season has been confirmed. It was diagnosed in a 73-year-old Rye Brook man, who is hospitalized but recovering.

West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious and potentially fatal in people 50 and older, especially those with other health complications.

To date, West Nile Virus has been detected in nine mosquito pools primarily in southern Westchester. Higher than usual activity of West Nile Virus is also occurring in neighboring counties, with a total of 38 human cases of West Nile Virus reported for New York City and Long Island, and 331 positive mosquito pools in all five boroughs of New York City.