This years first reported case of West Nile in the U.S. in Kansas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported this year's first human case of West Nile virus in the United States in Kansas, but has not released details on the patient.

The CDC says the virus, which was first reported in the Western Hemisphere in 1999, has been found in birds, mosquitoes or horses in 14 states, and this means that mosquitoes can easily transmit the virus to people.

Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the CDC's Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, says the season's first human case of West Nile virus is a sharp reminder of the importance of taking precautions to avoid becoming ill.

As it is impossible to predict what the season will bring, people who spend time outdoors are advised to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and West Nile virus.

Although West Nile, which is common in north Africa, parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, causes mild or no symptoms in most people it infects, it can cause a dangerous brain inflammation in some people, especially the elderly.

Since it first appeared in New York in 1999, the virus has made nearly 17,000 Americans ill and killed more than 650. In 2004, 2,535 human cases and 98 deaths were reported to the CDC, with most cases in the Western states.

The virus has wiped out populations of crows, jays and similar birds who are susceptible and has spread to every U.S. state except Alaska and Hawaii, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico.

The CDC recommends that people wear long sleeves and trousers to protect against mosquito bites, and also use insect repellent.

They say in addition to DEET and permethrin, repellents containing picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus have recently been found to provide reliable and long-lasting protection from mosquito bites.