Indiana records first human West Nile virus case of the summer. Why that's important.

A Lake County resident is the first person in the state this summer to contract West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe symptoms, the Indiana Department of Health announced Thursday.

“Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—their bites can potentially lead to serious illness,” State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver said in a statement. “Hoosiers can reduce their risk by wearing bug repellent and taking steps to remove breeding sites, like standing water in discarded tires or other containers around their residences.”

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus

Most infected people show no symptoms. However, some develop mild symptoms after getting infected with the West Nile virus, such as fever, headaches, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting or rash. In the worst cases, people may suffer from inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis and death, according to the state health department.

Symptoms typically last a few days to weeks.

People who are more than 60 years old or who have weakened immune system are more susceptible to severe symptoms of the virus.

How is the West Nile virus transmitted

People get sick from the virus when infected mosquitos bite them and transmit the disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The virus can not be transmitted from person to person.

Can you die from the West Nile Virus?

One in about 150 infected people will develop serious, and sometimes fatal, symptoms, according to the CDC.

Can the West Nile Virus be cured?

Doctors can treat the symptoms of the virus but there is no vaccine or specific treatment. The best way to prevent the disease is to protect against mosquitos through screen doors, bug spray and protective clothing, according to the state health department.

Health officials also recommend Hoosiers maintain the landscaping around their houses and prevent against stagnant water build up in gutters, trash, buckets or pools, popular mosquito breeding grounds.

Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 or Bhuang@gannett.com