Third human West Nile Virus case found in Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that a third human case of West Nile Virus was found in the state.

The department said the case was found in a male in his 50’s from Hampden County.

The DPH added that the risk of human infection for the virus is moderate in the Greater Boston area and in parts of Berkshire, Bristol, Hampden, Hampshire, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.

“It continues to be important for people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including by using a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, draining standing water around their homes, and repairing window screens. Risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost,” Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said.

The department added that eight human cases of the virus were detected in 2022, and it is most dangerous in people over 50.

West Nile is not the only mosquito-borne illness to watch out for, as the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that a case of eastern equine encephalitis was found in a donkey on Thursday, the first case in a mammal this year.