Four more human cases of West Nile virus in Mass. bring total to 42

Four more human cases of the West Nile virus in Massachusetts were confirmed on Friday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The four new cases include a woman in her 50s from Middlesex County, two men in their 60s from Middlesex County and a woman in her 60s from Plymouth County.

The three Middlesex County people with the virus were hospitalized, while the Plymouth County woman remains hospitalized.

A horse from Franklin County also died from the disease, according to the DPH.

The number of total reported cases in the state rises to 42 with the new additions, increasing on an already record-breaking number of cases in Massachusetts. The previous record was 33 in 2012.

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In 2017, there were just six human cases of the virus in the state.

"Mosquito season is winding down but mosquitoes will still be active on warmer and more humid days,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH.  "In addition, the mosquitoes that are alive at this time of year are old for mosquitoes and are actually more likely to be carrying West Nile virus. Long sleeves and pants will help reduce bites and mosquito repellent may still be necessary when it is warm and humid.”

Cox Media Group