Kings County health officials confirmed Thursday the county’s first West Nile virus-related death of the year.

The fatal case was among five West Nile virus infections reported in the county since July 10, according to the Kings County Department of Public Health.

“We are deeply saddened to report the death of a Kings County resident from West Nile virus,” Heather Campos, assistant director of the department, said in a statement. “This unfortunate loss is a stark reminder of the potential severity of WNV. We urge all residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially by removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.”

Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, health officials said. Severe cases, more common among older a

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