The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year. Health officials said the individual is a man in his 60 s from Middlesex County who was hospitalized due to his illness. Health officials said the risk of human infection with West Nile virus is considered to be generally low throughout the Commonwealth. “We have not seen much West Nile virus activity this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Still, today’s news is a compelling reminder that we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites.” In 2018, there were 49 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 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 illness can occur. “While Massachusetts is seeing a very active season for another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), this is the first human case of WNV,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “We continue to strongly recommend personal precautions to reduce your risk of all mosquito-borne disease.”
BOSTON –
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year.
Health officials said the individual is a man in his 60 s from Middlesex County who was hospitalized due to his illness.
Health officials said the risk of human infection with West Nile virus is considered to be generally low throughout the Commonwealth.
“We have not seen much West Nile virus activity this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Still, today’s news is a compelling reminder that we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites.”
In 2018, there were 49 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 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 illness can occur.
“While Massachusetts is seeing a very active season for another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), this is the first human case of WNV,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “We continue to strongly recommend personal precautions to reduce your risk of all mosquito-borne disease.”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings