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A 13th person was diagnosed with West Nile virus in Massachusetts, health officials said Tuesday.
The most recent patient, a woman in her sixties from Suffolk County, is currently hospitalized for her illness, according to the State Department of Health.
"It is not surprising that we are seeing more cases than usual this year considering the intense activity of the mosquitoes detected during the season," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, in a statement.
The new case follows Monday's announcement that the virus was diagnosed in a 50-year-old man in Suffolk County.
This year has already seen more than double the number of human cases in West Nile compared to 2017, where six people were diagnosed in the state.
"With shorter days, we're starting to see fewer mosquitoes," said Dr. Catherine Brown, DPH's state epidemiologist, in a statement. "However, it is really too early in the season to become complacent.The risk of additional transmission to people continues to be high."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for West Nile virus, which is most often transmitted to humans by mosquito bites that have fed on infected birds. This is not contagious by coughing, sneezing or touching.
According to the CDC, most infected people do not develop symptoms, but 20% develop fever and symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. One in every 150 people infected develops a serious disease in the central nervous system; 10% of these people die.
People over the age of 60 or with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension have a particular risk of developing a life-threatening illness caused by West Nile virus.
The CDC recommends using insect repellents and clothing that covers the arms and legs when exposed to mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus. Exposure can also be avoided by ensuring that window screens and doors are in good condition and emptying containers of water.
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