9th Human Case of West Nile Confirmed in Massachusetts

By FRANK O’LAUGHLIN (Patch Staff)

A Suffolk County resident is the ninth person to be diagnosed with West Nile virus this year in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health confirmed Friday.

The victim is a woman in her 30s, officials said. It is believed she contracted the virus within Suffolk County. The woman was not hospitalized.

Earlier this month a woman from Middlesex County, in her 80s, also contracted the disease locally officials said and had been hospitalized as the result of her infection.

In late September, West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitos in Wilmington. It was detected in mosquitoes collected from Wilmington on Sept. 22 in the Dublin Avenue wetland area.

The risk level for West Nile Virus was not elevated as a result of the confirmed case. The risk level is already set at high in Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop.

“Even with our current cooler temperatures, it’s important to note that Massachusetts still is in peak season for possible West Nile virus infection for human infections,” State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown said in a release. “Residents need to continue to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active.”

Officials urge residents living within the county to wear long-sleeve clothing if heading outdoors.

One Massachusetts resident has died from West Nile Virus this year.