OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- A 20-year-old Oceanside man has become the 10th person in San Diego County to contract West Nile virus this year, county health officials announced Friday.

The man was hospitalized with meningitis and is now recovering at home, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

According to the HHSA, two people in neighboring Orange County have died from the mosquito-borne disease this year.

"In 2007, there were 20 West Nile virus-related deaths in California -- more than any other state," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "With the second reported death in Orange County and the early onset of human cases this year in San Diego County, we strongly urge people to protect against West Nile virus."

County health officials said residents can protect themselves by using insect repellent when outdoors, wearing long-sleeve tops and pants and ensuring screens on windows and doors fit tightly and have no holes.

Residents were also asked to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on their property, including standing water in pet dishes, bird baths and old tires.