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Third human case of West Nile Virus reported in Massachusetts

BOSTON — State health officials have confirmed a third person has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the victim is a man in his 60s from Middlesex County who was exposed to the virus last month. Currently, this report does not change the risk levels already in place for West Nile Virus.

"We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. "Although mosquito populations are declining, some risk will continue until the first hard frost."

The other two human cases of West Nile Virus this season involved a man in his 60s from Middlesex County and a man in his 50s from Plymouth County. In addition to West Nile Virus cases, 12 human cases of EEE have been reported in the state so far, three of those cases resulting in death.

Currently, there are 15 communities at moderate risk for West Nile Virus. A map of the state's current West Nile Virus and EEE risk levels can be found here.

DPU officials say the best way to prevent contracting any of these mosquito-borne viruses is to use insect repellant with DEET, use long sleeves and pants whenever going outside and to avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.

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