Katie LannanState House News ServiceBOSTON — A woman in her 80s has this year's first human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts and was likely exposed to the virus in Middlesex County, the Department of Public Health said Wednesday. "Risk from West Nile virus has been slow to increase this year," acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke said. The department said it considers the current risk of human infection with West Nile virus to be moderate in Greater Boston and in several towns in Bristol and Worcester counties. Five human cases of West Nile virus infection were identified in Massachusetts last year. The department recommends draining standing water around homes, along with installing or repairing screens to keep mosquitos from getting inside.

Source: MetroXpress September 01, 2021 17:13 UTC