MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State and local officials have confirmed Wisconsin's first human case of West Nile virus for 2012.

The state Department of Health Services says a Dodge County resident became ill with the mosquito-borne virus, was hospitalized, and has been released.

Officials also say they have confirmed that dead birds tested positive for West Nile in 13 counties: Barron, Brown, Dane, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Oneida, Pierce, Portage, Rock, Sheboygan, Washington and Winnebago counties.

Infected birds can indicate that West Nile virus is present in an area. Residents are urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Last year, three Wisconsin residents became sick from the West Nile virus.