9th MA West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Middlesex County

MASSACHUSETTS — While there may be a chill in the air across Massachusetts this weekend, West Nile Virus remains a threat until the state gets its first deep freeze.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said on Friday that a ninth human case of the virus had been diagnosed in the state. The man in his 60s was exposed to the virus in Middlesex County.

The state said 27 communities in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties remain at high risk for West Nile Virus, while another 71 are considered moderate risk.

"While the risk from WNV is declining at this time of year, some risk will continue until there has been a hard frost," Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke said. "People should continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites anytime they are outdoors."

There were 11 confirmed human cases of the disease in 2020.

Until the first frost, residents are still advised to wear insect repellent in wooded, grassy or swampy areas and limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk to help reduce potential exposure to the mosquito-borne disease.

With rain expected much of this week, residents are also urged to remove any standing water from their property where mosquitos can breed and congregate.

Those most at risk for severe West Nile Virus symptoms are those over the age of 50. Symptoms can include fever and flu-like symptoms, with even more critical symptoms in rare cases.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)