BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the third human case of West Nile virus in the state this year Tuesday.
The individual is a male in his 20s who was likely exposed to the virus in Suffolk County in an area already known to be at increased risk. The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate to high in the Greater Boston area.
The first human case of WNV in 2022 was reported on Aug. 25, a female in her 70s. A second case, a male in his 70s, was reported on Sept. 2. Both were exposed to the virus in Suffolk County.
There were 11 cases of WNV in Massachusetts in 2021.
West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans through infected mosquito bites. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they tend to include fever and flu-like illness.
To prevent mosquito bites, health officials recommend using bug repellent, wearing longer clothing, draining standing water, and repairing window screens in homes.