First West Nile human case reported in Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the first human case of West Nile this year.

The individual is a man in his 40’s who was exposed to the virus in Hampden County.

Officials said they also found the first case of EEE in an animal this year, coming from a horse in Plymouth. This prompted the EEE risk level to be raised to high in Plymouth.

This is in addition to Carver and Middleborough who are also at high risk.

Officials said the risk of West Nile human infection is moderate in the greater Boston area, as well as in parts of Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Plymouth and Worcester counties.

More information on mosquito-borne diseases and updates on cases can be found here.