BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- In August, an outdoor worker contracted the first known case of the West Nile virus in Kern County.

Though the victim wasn’t hospitalized, sources say that the victim didn’t use preventative measures.

Last year, 140 Kern County residents contracted the West Nile virus. So far, only one reported case has been documented.

According to the Kern County Department of Public Health, the mosquitoes that contain the West Nile virus obtain it through feeding on birds that are infected.

The Kern County Department of Public Health offers some preventative measures to keep yourself safe from mosquitoes.

• During dusk and dawn, you are to avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active. These times are the first two hours after sunset.

• You’ll need to apply repellant that contains DEET according to the instructions labeled on the repellant.

• Get rid of all standing water that may house mosquitoes and their breeding.