Aedes aegypti mosquito, photo via CDC

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) announced Wednesday the first human death related to West Nile Virus in Fresno County.

In addition to the county’s first fatality, ten individuals have also tested positive for the virus.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Officer in a news release . “We need to stay vigilant as mosquitoes continue to test positive for WNV in the County and may continue to cause several severe illnesses, including WNV infection, which can require hospitalization and intensive care.”

The department began issuing warnings regarding the virus this summer. The first human case was confirmed in August.

The department continues to issue recommendations that mirror the “Three D’s” — deter, dawn and dusk, drain — and continue to advise residents to apply insect repellent and to ensure doors and windows are equipped with tight-fitting screens, as well as eliminating any standing sources of water — common breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The department also suggests residents call mosquito abatement districts for additional information regarding WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents can also find more information at www.fresnocountymosquito.org.

Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at westnile.ca.gov.

Since first introduced in California in 2003, more than 7,300 people have contracted the virus, with more than 330 fatal cases.