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The first human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year has been confirmed by state officials, said Wednesday the Department of Public Health in a statement.
The affected man was hospitalized, a statement said. He lives in Middlesex County and is in his 60s.
Although the department reported that there were 49 human cases of West Nile virus in the state last year, this year was marked by the importance of a Another disease transmitted by a mosquito: Eastern equine encephalitis. Seven human cases of EEE have been confirmed in the state this summer, including one death.
"We have not seen a lot of West Nile virus activity this year," Monica Bharel, Public Health Commissioner, said in a statement. "Nevertheless, today's news is a compelling reminder that we must all continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites."
West Nile virus is usually transmitted by a mosquito bite, the department said, and people over 50 are at higher risk of coping with the serious effects of the disease.
The majority of people infected with the virus do not have symptoms, but about 20% will have cold or seizure symptoms and may develop a rash.
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