BOSTON — Two new human cases of West Nile virus have been detected in Massachusetts, the state Department of Public Health announced Friday.
Two men, one in his 50s and the other in his 80s, were both exposed to West Nile Virus in Middlesex County in an area already known to be at risk for this virus, the state health agency reported.
Most West Nile Virus activity this year has been focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties.
The risk of human infection with West Nile Virus is considered to be generally low throughout most of the Commonwealth, officials said.
Friday’s cases brings the total cases of West Nile Virus in the state to three.
In 2019, there were five human cases of West Nile Virus infection identified in Massachusetts. The 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. Symptoms, however, tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.
The state is advising residents to avoid getting mosquito bites by applying insect repellent when outdoors, staying indoors from dusk to dawn, wearing long-sleeved clothing to protect themselves, and draining standing water from areas around their homes.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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