COLUMBUS (WCMH)–Columbus Public Health has confirmed the first case of West Nile virus, they announced Friday.

A local 71-year-old man has been hospitalized for the illness.

Symptoms of West Nile are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands. Severe cases of West Nile can also result in stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.  Anyone with these symptoms should consult their doctor immediately.