Third Human Case Of West Nile Virus Found In Middlesex County

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA – A Middlesex County woman in her 60s became the third person this year to test positive for West Nile virus in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health announced Friday. Health officials said she was hospitalized during her illness but has since returned home. The virus was found in two other Bay State residents – a Bristol County man in his 50s and a resident of Hampden County in his 60s, according to the DPH.

"The unusually warm weather we have had recently has prolonged the mosquito season," DPH Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown said in a statement. "Risk of infection will continue until we have a hard freeze and is greatest during warm and humid days."

In 2016, there were 16 human cases of West Nile virus found in Massachusetts. The disease is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms tend to appear in people over the age of 50 and generally include fever and flu-like illness; in rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

The DPH recommends residents use insect repellent when outdoors, be aware that peak mosquito hours are from dusk until dawn and wear long sleeves, pants and socks to prevent mosquitos from accessing the skin.

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