BOSTON (WHDH) - State health officials on Friday announced nine new cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year, bringing the total number of reported human cases to 38, the highest number ever recorded in the state in a single year.
The new cases include a female in her 80s from Essex County, a male in his 70s from Barnstable County, a female in her 60s from Middlesex County, a male in his 60s from Essex County, a female in her 30s from Middlesex County, a female in her 40s from Essex County, a male in his 50s from Middlesex County, a male in his 50s from Suffolk County, and a male in his 70s from Franklin County, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Of the nine, two remain hospitalized, six were hospitalized, and one was not hospitalized.
The previous record for cases of West Nile in a single year in Massachusetts was 33 in 2012.
“The forecast includes some warm fall temperatures,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Mosquitoes might still be active and it remains important for people to use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves to reduce exposed skin.”
In 2017, there were six human cases of West Nile virus infection identified in Massachusetts.
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