CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – Wyoming has recorded its first West Nile Virus of the year.

The Wyoming Department of Health says the case involves a Sheridan County resident.

State epidemiologist Katie Bryan says residents should protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes spread West Nile when they feed on infected birds and then bite people, animals and other birds.

Bryan says at least two others states around Wyoming have also had confirmed West Nile virus cases so far this season.

Last year, Wyoming recorded five cases.

Since the virus first appeared in Wyoming in 2002, reported human cases within a year have ranged from two with no deaths to 393 and nine deaths.