LAS VEGAS >> Heath officials are reporting a fifth case of the sometimes deadly West Nile virus this year in the Las Vegas area.

The Southern Nevada Health District says the new case involves a person over age 50 who’s hospitalized with the more serious form of the illness.

District spokeswoman Stephanie Bethel says mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been found in the 89122 and 89014 ZIP codes.

One previous West Nile patient died. That brings to five the number of deaths from the virus in Clark County since 2003.

Last year, the health district reported eight cases of West Nile virus. One died.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds.

Authorities advise using bug repellent and eliminating standing water, where mosquitoes breed.