The first probable case of the West Nile virus has been reported in Idaho.

Idaho Department of Health laboratory results indicate that a man in his 40s who works on a Twin Falls County farm could be Idaho's first victim. The state is awaiting confirmation of the tests from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

"We are very glad to report that this gentleman is well," Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, said. "We do not believe the public is at any increased risk for infection with the virus. In fact, recent freezing temperatures all but eliminate any risk of exposure to mosquitoes that might be carrying the virus until next spring."

The man's exposure to the virus apparently came from working with sick alligators, later determined to be carrying the virus. The juvenile alligators were part of a shipment of 1,000 alligators imported from Florida in September to a legal, local exotic animal farm.

Hundreds of alligators died before a connection to the West Nile virus was made.

"Aquatic life in other parts of the farm are not exhibiting any symptoms of the virus. Again, there appears to be no increased risk to the general public," Hahn said.

Six other individuals who work at the farm test negative for the virus.