Community Corner
State Confirms First Human Case Of West Nile Virus In Massachusetts
The state did not identify the woman or the town where she lives, but said she was in her 80s and contracted the virus in Middlesex County.
MASSACHUSETTS — A woman in her 80s is the first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts this year.
According to the Department of Public Health, she was likely exposed in Middlesex County, which is currently at a moderate risk level. The state did not identify the woman or the town where she lives. “There are no risk level changes associated with this finding; there have been no deaths this year associated with WNV,” DPH said in a statement.
There were five human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts last year. The virus is usually spread through bites from infected mosquitos. It can cause a mild fever or more serious diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. Most people infected will have no symptoms, but people over 50 are at higher risk for severe disease, according to DPH.
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