TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Inspectors are treating stagnant pools for mosquitoes after the county identified its first human case of West Nile virus for this year.

"The complaints are rising and we're seeing a lot of green pools," said Pima County Health Department spokeswoman Patti Woodcock.

Earlier in the summer, frequent monsoon storms flushed out standing water before mosquito eggs could hatch.

The break in the rains earlier this month gave the tiny mosquitoes ample time to develop and seek out their meals, Woodcock said.

The county Health Department is bracing for what may be a bad year for the mosquito-borne disease because the first human West Nile case showed up two weeks earlier than it did last year.

Woodcock said health officials aren't sure whether the case was caught earlier because people are more aware of the disease and more doctors recommend testing.

Those infected with West Nile may experience no symptoms or problems ranging from mild to extreme fever, fatigue, headaches, neck pain, and in some cases skin rash on the trunk.

About 20 percent of those infected will develop West Nile fever, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The West Nile season runs until early November.

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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

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