NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Louisiana Department of Health has reported a human case of the West Nile virus in Orleans Parish, with the patient having contracted the neuroinvasive form of the disease, according to officials with the City of New Orleans.

City officials said that while most human cases of the illness are asymptomatic, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash are all common symptoms.

In rare cases, the virus can reportedly cause serious illness, especially in people over 65 years old or people who are immunocompromised.

Officials say the virus cycles between wild birds and mosquitos and is transmitted to humans by the bite of the southern house mosquito, which is most active after dark.

The following tips were given to help residents stay safe from mosq

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