The first human case of the West Nile virus this year has been detected in Hunterdon County.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, a man in his 70s started showing symptoms of meningitis roughly two weeks ago.

The NJDOH says he was hospitalized for several days and is now recovering at home.

The virus is spread through mosquito bites, and the case is the earliest human West Nile case ever detected in New Jersey.

Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness and swelling of the brain, which can lead to coma, convulsions and death.

There is currently no specific treatment for the virus.

The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid mosquito bites.

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