The San Antonio Metro Health Department confirmed a tenth case of West Nile Virus in Bexar County Thursday.

"All we know is that we've just had one more case confirmed of a man in his 80's," said Carol Schlesinger with the Metro Health Department.

There is no word on where the man, who was hospitalized with symptoms earlier this week, lives or which hospital he is being treated at.

This number is mere in comparison to the state as a whole, as Texas has seen the most cases on record of the virus this year alone, with the total number of cases reported in the state currently at 1,040.

There is no cure for the West Nile Virus, so health officials are encouraging residents to take preemptive measures and protect themselves.

"Prevention is what we're really trying to taught, and so the best things to do are personal protection. Avoid being outside during dawn and dusk when they (mosquitos) are most active. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and wear an insect repellant," said Molly Keck, an entomologist with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. 

The virus has killed 43 people in Texas this year alone according to the Associated Press, with most cases being found in people over the age of 50.

"I don't know exactly why 50 and older is the worst population to get it. I'm assuming it's because most already have underlying health conditions. In a human body we have very low amounts of the virus, so maybe the older they are and the compounding health conditions they have make the virus just do a worse job on the body," said Keck.

While most of the West Nile cases continue to stay in the North Texas area, it's still important that Bexar County residents take precautions. Even with aerial and ground spraying, mosquitos still breed at very high rates, and the virus seems to spreading across the county.

Many officials encourage people to drain any areas of standing water they have lying around their house, as they tend to serve a breeding grounds for mosquitos.

"The symptoms vary. Most people have mild symptoms if they have any symptoms at all, like fever, rash, a little bit of a headache and naseau; you just feel crummy. A very small percentage have neuroinvasive symptoms, where the brain swells, and in which you'll have severe headaches and muscle aches for symptoms," said Keck.

By: Marissa A. Wagner