Watch CBS News

Philadelphia Records 1st Human West Nile Case of 2013

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — State health authorities say Philadelphia has recorded its first human case of West Nile virus this year, the fifth case in the commonwealth so far this year.

The Department of Environmental Protection says the female patient fell ill July 30 and the case was confirmed to be West Nile on Tuesday.

Another case in Delaware County was reported last week, and two cases in York County and a case in Montgomery County were reported last week.

West Nile is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that can pick up the virus from infected birds. It can lead to encephalitis, a dangerous inflammation of the brain. Older people and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.

Last year was the worst ever for West Nile deaths nationwide with 286 deaths.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.