West Nile virus confirmed in Middlesex County man
A Middlesex County man in his 40s has been hospitalized with West Nile virus, the first confirmed human case of the virus in Massachusetts this year, public health officials announced Thursday.
The man's West Nile virus diagnosis was confirmed by testing completed by the State Public Health Laboratory, the Department of Public Health said.
DPH said it is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine where the man was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes and could label West Nile virus risk areas based on its findings.
"Massachusetts is in peak season for possible West Nile virus infection for human infections," DPH State Public Health Veterinarian Catherine Brown said in a statement. "We need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and reduce outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active."
Last year, Massachusetts had six confirmed human cases of the virus, which is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to DPH. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms, DPH said, though others may experience fever and flu-like illness.
To protect against mosquito bites and the risk of infection, DPH recommends residents apply bug spray, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors, and drain any standing water near their homes.
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