New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced an additional human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state, bringing the total number of WNV cases this year to eight. The individual is a male in his 40s, who was exposed to WNV in Middlesex County.
Most WNV virus activity this year has continued to be focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties. Information about current mosquito activity will continue to be updated regularly and can be found here. In 2019, there were five human cases of WNV infection.
WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. However, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
