Second human case of West Nile virus in Mass. this year reported

On Sep 3, 2022

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said a second human case of West Nile virus has been reported in the state this year.A man in his 70s was exposed to the virus in Suffolk County in an area already known to be at moderate risk, health officials said. The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate to high in the Greater Boston area according to health officials. “As a result of this new finding, the risk level for Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville is being raised from moderate to high,” the DPH said Friday. Last week, a woman in her 70s in Suffolk County was diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2021, there were 11 human cases of West Nile virus infection identified in Massachusetts.West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. 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 infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms. When present, West Nile virus symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illnesses can occur.No human or animal cases of Eastern equine encephalitis have been detected so far this year. Video below: West Nile survivor shares his story

BOSTON —

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said a second human case of West Nile virus has been reported in the state this year.

A man in his 70s was exposed to the virus in Suffolk County in an area already known to be at moderate risk, health officials said.

The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate to high in the Greater Boston area according to health officials.

“As a result of this new finding, the risk level for Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville is being raised from moderate to high,” the DPH said Friday.

Last week, a woman in her 70s in Suffolk County was diagnosed with West Nile virus.

In 2021, there were 11 human cases of West Nile virus infection identified in Massachusetts.

West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. 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 infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms. When present, West Nile virus symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illnesses can occur.

No human or animal cases of Eastern equine encephalitis have been detected so far this year.

Video below: West Nile survivor shares his story