First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Middlesex County

By LIZ TAURASI

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the state’s first human case of West Nile Virus on Thursday.

The individual is only identified as a man, living in Middlesex County who is in his 40s, WCVB is reporting.

Reports say he is hospitalized and the DPH is investigating to determine where he may have been exposed. Once identified those areas will be assessed to determine risk for the virus. It is not currently known where he may have been exposed.

Last week state health officials announced the West Nile Virus was detected in mosquito samples taken in Arlington and Lexington. At the time they said the risk level for human infection remained moderate as the virus circulates among local mosquito populations.

Officials say the consistently high temperatures in the region over the past few weeks have created an environment that is historically associated with higher human illness rates.

Find out more about West Nile Virus by viewing this fact sheet >>>