Last Updated: July 16, 2005, 04:43:31 AM PDT

MERCED — A man living south of Merced tested positive for West Nile virus this week, becoming Merced County's first confirmed human case this year.

County health officials say detection of the disease — found while donated blood was being screened — underscores the need for people to reduce their risk of the mosquito-borne virus by avoiding being bitten.

While the vast majority of people infected with West Nile never develop symptoms, experts say people 50 and older or with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of falling ill.

Read More >>