INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis woman has died from West Nile virus, the first death attributed to that illness in Indiana in 2009.

State and county health officials released no information about the person who died, but said it marked the fifth West Nile death in Marion County since 2002.

"Although most people have a very mild disease when infected, this is a sad reminder that West Nile virus can cause serious illness and even death," said Dr. Judy Monroe, Indiana State Department of Health commissioner.

People over age 50 are at greatest risk for more serious illness or death from the virus, but anyone can get it.

Someone who has been bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms from 3-15 days after the bite.

“In previous years, we’ve seen most of the human cases in the state reported in the months of August and September, so this is an important time for people to protect themselves and their families,” Monroe said.

The virus typically causes a milder form of illness, called West Nile fever, which can include fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph glands and/or a rash.