Second human case of West Nile virus identified in Massachusetts
BOSTON —
Massachusetts health officials on Monday announced the state’s second human case of West Nile virus this year.
The new patient was identified as a man in his 60s who was exposed in Middlesex County. That follows last week’s announcement about a man in his 90s who also contracted the virus in Middlesex County.
Citing these cases and the findings of the virus in mosquito samples, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said the risk level for the virus was elevated to high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown.
“We are currently in peak season for WNV in mosquitoes, and the risk for many across Massachusetts is high,” Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a statement. “Those who are older or have compromised immune systems are especially at risk. I want to remind everyone to continue to use repellent, cover up with clothing when the weather permits, consider moving indoors during dusk to dawn hours when mosquitoes are biting, and make sure to empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”
To date, DPH has reported 184 WNV-positive mosquito samples detected this year from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.
Health officials are urging Massachusetts residents to apply insect repellent when outdoors, be aware of peak mosquito hours, and drain standing water to help prevent bites.
While the West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience no symptoms, while about 20% of those who become infected can experience symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands.
People may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
The biting bugs will be with us until the first hard frost of the season.