DPH: 1st human case of West Nile this year in MA

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tonight announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The person is a man in his 60s from Middlesex County who was hospitalized due to his illness. The risk of human infection with WNV is considered to be generally low throughout the Commonwealth, officials said.  

“We have not seen much West Nile virus activity this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, in a news release. “Still, today’s news is a compelling reminder that we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites.”  

In 2018, there were 49 human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. 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. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

“While Massachusetts is seeing a very active season for another mosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), this is the first human case of WNV,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown, in the release. “We continue to strongly recommend personal precautions to reduce your risk of all mosquito-borne disease.”  

Additionally, on August 29 it was reported that a horse from Granby was infected with the EEE virus. The Department has now confirmed that this horse was stabled in Connecticut. As a result, the towns of Granby, Belchertown, Ludlow, Chicopee, South Hadley have all been reduced to moderate risk.