Authorities say a southwest Oklahoma resident died after contracting the West Nile virus, marking the state's first human case and death of the year.Open the video player above to see some of the headlines KOCO 5 is following.The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed the case and death. Health officials said the patient, who has not been identified, was hospitalized before dying.West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. The health department said that in Oklahoma, the virus is primarily spread by the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then spreads it when biting humans, horses and some other mammals.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Culex mosquitoes increase in population during mid-to-late summer when temperatures are high and the weather pattern is dry, according to a news release."We expect the number of human cases to increase as the temperatures rise throughout the summer," Oklahoma State Epidemiologist Jolianne Stone said in the news release. "Typically, summertime is the beginning of the WNV season in Oklahoma, so with more people participating in outdoor activities there are increased opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes.">> Download the KOCO 5 AppThe Oklahoma State Department of Health suggests doing the following to avoid mosquito bites and prevent contracting the West Nile virus.Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when going outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, children’s toys and tires from holding water to prevent providing mosquitoes a place to breed.Empty any pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.Scrub and refill bird baths every three days.Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.Click here to learn more about the West Nile virus.Top Headlines 5-year-old taken to hospital after accidentally being shot in leg in northwest OKC, police say Luxury estate home listed for $17.25M in Oklahoma City metro going viral Police investigating after 2 injured in possible road rage shooting in southeast Oklahoma City 1 in custody, another taken to hospital after head-on crash in northwest Oklahoma City 'Nearly all' AT&T cell customers’ call and text records exposed in a massive breach