Minnesota has recorded its first human case of West Nile virus of 2009, and the Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

The department said Thursday that a Stevens County woman is recovering after becoming ill with West Nile meningitis in late June.

The Health Department says Minnesota has entered the period of highest risk for West Nile virus in humans as the mosquito that spreads the virus begins feeding on people instead of birds. The high-risk period ends in September.

While residents from throughout Minnesota are at risk for getting the mosquito-born virus, the greatest risk is in counties in western and central Minnesota.