MIDDLESEX COUNTY — A Middlesex County man has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus, making him the first confirmed human case of the virus in the state in 2019, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health.
Officials say the victim is a man in his 60s.
West Nile Virus is usually transmitted to human beings through infected mosquito bites. There were 49 confirmed human cases of West Nile in Massachusetts in 2018.
Symptoms for West Nile Virus usually include flu-like symptoms, including fever. Severe illness can occur, but those instances are rare, per Mass. DPH.
Seven people in Massachusetts have been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), another type of mosquito-transported illness.
>>>MORE: Sudbury 5-year-old in critical condition with EEE, police say
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