West Nile virus confirmed in Cobb

Cobb County health officials on Tuesday confirmed the county’s first human case of the West Nile virus this year.

A 73-year-old man, a Cobb resident, is in the hospital, officials said.

West Nile can cause mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and a rash in infected individuals, health officials said.

A small number of people could develop more serious illness such as meningitis, or encephalitis.

“We want to remind everyone to remain vigilant and take protective measures against West Nile virus,” said Cobb and Douglas Public Health district health director Dr. Jack Kennedy. “Even though the weather is cooling down, mosquitoes are still very active until the winter season begins.