The first human case of West Nile virus this year in Connecticut was reported Friday in Bristol.

The man infected, a Bristol resident who is older than 75, became ill during the first week of July with a fever, a headache, nausea and body aches. He has since recovered.

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According to the state Mosquito Management Program, the man reported receiving numerous mosquito bites while doing yard work before the onset of illness.

"Based on what we know, the individual had a history of being exposed to the virus, to mosquitoes. He was spending quite a bit of time outdoors and apparently became infected while working in his garden," said Dr. Ted Andreadis, state entomologist.

"The identification of a human West Nile virus infection early in the season and the numerous virus isolations from mosquitoes announced earlier this week are (incidents) we should take seriously," said J. Robert Galvin, Department of Public Health commissioner.

West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have been reported in eight towns across the state: Bridgeport, Danbury, East Haven, Greenwich, New Haven, Southington, West Haven and Wethersfield.

In 2005, five state residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus. The months of August and September are peak times for transmission of the virus to humans.

"We fully anticipate that the virus is going to expand. There's no reason to suggest that the numbers are going to go down right now," Andreadis said.

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