Connecticut woman 'critical' with West Nile virus

West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes, in particular a species called the culex.

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (CNN) -- A Connecticut woman in her 70s is in critical condition suffering from West Nile virus, the state's first case this year.

Dr. John Boyce with the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven said the woman arrived at the hospital's emergency room on September 1. He said he could not reveal many details, because her family has requested that the information be kept private.

"I can say that she is still critically ill," Boyce said, adding that the woman was suffering from "severe neurological illness."

He said the hospital sent samples of spinal fluid and blood to state health officials for testing and that the results indicate the woman is suffering from West Nile virus. She is from West Haven.

MORE STORIES Catnip oil may repel mosquitoes better than spray     EXTRA INFORMATION CDC: West Nile virus     RESOURCES CNN Access: West Nile expert says panic unnecessary

Boyce said it was not immediately known when she may have become exposed to the virus, but he said she was likely bitten by an infected mosquito in mid- to late August. Most West Nile cases along the East Coast have happened in August, he said.

Mosquitoes transmit the virus to people, though not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill. Most people suffer no symptoms or experience only mild ones. The onset of symptoms usually occurs within 5-15 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

This is the first case this year in Connecticut. Last year, a Connecticut woman was diagnosed with a mild case of West Nile.

There have been several other cases of human infections of West Nile virus in recent months.

Maryland officials Thursday said a 72-year-old man from west Baltimore is suffering from the virus. Health officials in Georgia confirmed that a 71-year-old woman died August 17 from West Nile virus, the state's first confirmed fatality from the virus.

In Florida, there have been four confirmed cases of humans infected with the virus since early July. No one has died from it, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The virus has been found in birds in several states including Wisconsin, New York and Michigan.

The first case of West Nile virus in the Western Hemisphere was reported in the New York area in 1999. From 1999 to 2000, 82 cases of the disease and nine deaths occurred in New York and New Jersey.

Symptoms of the virus can range from mild illness to illnesses characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and sometimes a rash. More severe illnesses are rare but may include confusion or disorientation, indicating brain swelling, severe muscle weakness or paralysis.