BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) announced on Monday the 12th human case of West Nile virus in the state this year.
The most recent case is a man in his 50s from Suffolk County. He’s being treated at a hospital.
The man is the fifth case in Suffolk County, which includes Boston.
Risk from West Nile virus will continue until the first hard frost.
`"Labor Day is often considered to be the unofficial end of summer, but it’s not the end of mosquito season,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “September is still the peak of transmission season and additional cases of West Nile virus infection are likely to occur.”
BPHC urged people in and around Boston to use insect repellents, cover exposed skin and go inside when mosquitoes are biting.
“This patient became ill less than a week ago, indicating that West Nile virus is actively being transmitted from mosquitoes to people,” said Dr. Jenifer Jaeger, Director of BPHC’s Infectious Disease Bureau.
Last year, there were six human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts.
Cox Media Group
