RENO, Nev. (AP) - Health officials are investigating the first human case of West Nile virus this year in Washoe County.

The Washoe District Health Department says a resident younger than 50 has been hospitalized with a milder form of the virus.

Earlier this month, Nevada's first human case of West Nile this year was reported in Lyon County, and officials reported they were investigating the first "probable" human case of the virus this year in the Las Vegas area.

Twelve human cases were reported in Nevada in 2007.

West Nile is transmitted by mosquito bites, and authorities have encouraged residents to use insect repellent and eliminate areas of
standing water.

Most people who are infected have no symptoms or what appears to
be a mild flu.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)