A human case of West Nile virus has been found in Santa Clara County and infected birds were also found in Monterey County, health officials reported.

The infected man, who is 65 and lives in Saratoga, was not hospitalized and has recovered, authorities reported. This was the first human case of the year in the Bay Area.

An elderly Butte County woman has died of complications from West Nile virus, making it the state's first such death this year, the state announced Thursday.

The virus has been found in 50 people in California so far this year, state numbers show.

A dead California towhee in Salinas and a dead house sparrow in Pacific Grove tested positive for the virus, officials said. These are the first infected birds found in Monterey County this year.

The Northern Salinas Valley Mosquito Abatement District, which oversees the area of Salinas where one bird was found, will be conducting mosquito surveillance and abatement activities in the area to reduce mosquito populations.

District officials said the public can also help by emptying any standing water from containers such as flower pots, tires, gutters and birdbaths.

Authorities in Santa Cruz County are planning more aerial treatments and more informational meetings for seniors in the next few weeks.

Authorities said seniors are especially susceptible to the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.

Santa Cruz County officials are also planning to conduct aerial surveillance in search of unkempt swimming pools that could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

More Resources:

• California West Nile Virus Information
• Santa Cruz County West Nile Virus Information