First case of West Nile Virus reported in Boston this year

A 46-year-old woman with meningitis has been confirmed as the city's first case of West Nile Virus, the Boston Public Health Commission reported today.

The disease is rarely fatal and the woman, whose case was reported Tuesday, could be discharged from the hospital today, the commission say.

Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in city traps in West Roxbury and Dorchester. The city has been applying larvacide in wet areas since June, but has no plans to expand its limited spraying. The commission said residents should take the usual steps: Apply DEET and wear long sleeves and pants after dusk, repair holes in window screens, remove debris from gutters and catch basins, drain kiddie pools and get rid of old tires sitting outside.