First B.C. West Nile case confirmed

The first case of a person contracting the West Nile virus from B.C. mosquitoes has been confirmed.

The Interior Health Authority said Wednesday that test results confirmed a Kelowna resident has the virus, and said they contracted it in the south Okanagan.

The health authority first reported last weekend that West Nile cases were suspected.

Tests were still being performed on a second person showing symptoms. Authorities said that person lives in the same house as the infected individual.

Authorities did not reveal the names of those involved but. Neither required hospitalization and both are recovering.

The health authority said samples from mosquito ponds from the south Okanagan tested positive for the virus.

Officials have issued a reminder that people take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites in the next few weeks. Among the recommendations are the wearing of light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and the use of repellents.