Massachusetts health officials on Sept. 8 confirmed the state's first case of West Nile virus in 2017.
The patient, a Bristol County resident in his 50s, likely caught the infection after being bitten by a mosquito in early to mid-August, according to Catherine Brown, MD, the state's public health veterinarian.
"There have been so many [West Nile Virus] infected mosquitoes identified this year throughout the commonwealth that the risk is widespread and ongoing," she said. "That means that this year, it is extremely important to take steps to avoid mosquito bites."
Sixteen Massachusetts residents caught West Nile Virus in 2016, although no cases were fatal.
Most individuals infected with the virus do not display symptoms, although the infection can cause fever and a flu-like illness.
To learn more about West Nile Virus, click here.
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