The second and third human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year were announced Friday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.Both patients are men from Middlesex County, officials said. One is in his 50s and the other is in his 80s.The first case of the year, which was identified earlier this month, was a man in his 50s who was likely exposed to the virus in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County. “Most WNV virus activity this year has been focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties,” DPH officials said. 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 second and third human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year were announced Friday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Both patients are men from Middlesex County, officials said. One is in his 50s and the other is in his 80s.
The first case of the year, which was identified earlier this month, was a man in his 50s who was likely exposed to the virus in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County.
“Most WNV virus activity this year has been focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties,” DPH officials said.
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.