The first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year was identified Friday, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said. State health officials said the patient is a man in his 50s who was likely exposed to the virus in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County. Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Friday’s announcement is a reminder of “the ongoing need to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect ourselves and our families.”In 2019, there were five human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. The state health department said most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.The state health department said the risk of human infection with West Nile Virus is considered to be generally low throughout the Commonwealth.Information about current mosquito activity will continue to be updated regularly and can be found here.
The first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year was identified Friday, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said.
State health officials said the patient is a man in his 50s who was likely exposed to the virus in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County.
Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Friday’s announcement is a reminder of “the ongoing need to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect ourselves and our families.”
In 2019, there were five human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts.
WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
The state health department said most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.
The state health department said the risk of human infection with West Nile Virus is considered to be generally low throughout the Commonwealth.
Information about current mosquito activity will continue to be updated regularly and can be found here.