West Nile Virus, EEE sickens 2 in MA

Massachusetts health officials have reported the first human cases of West Nile Virus as well as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a rare and potentially fatal brain infection spread by mosquitoes.

Boston health officials say a 46-year-old woman was released from hospital Friday after testing positive for West Nile Virus.

Her case was reported Tuesday as suspected meningitis. Laboratory results returned Friday confirmed West Nile, which caused the meningitis.

State health officials say a 43-year-old man from Plymouth County has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

He developed symptoms Saturday and remains in hospital. His exposure to a mosquito infected with EEE likely occurred in southeastern Massachusetts.

West Nile is spread by mosquitoes that often pick up the virus from birds they bite.

Health officials withheld the patients' identities, citing privacy laws.