Worcester County Woman Diagnosed With West Nile Virus
WORCESTER (CBS) - A woman from Worcester County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus, the state's Department of Public Health announced on Monday.
The woman, who is said to be over the age of 64, developed symptoms on Sept. 3 but was never hospitalized and has fully recovered.
This is the second reported human case of West Nile Virus this year. Seven such cases were reported last year.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Laurie Kirby reports.
Podcast
West Nile has been found in mosquitoes in 32 Massachusetts towns since Labor Day Weekend.
More Info: West Nile Virus
"There are still many infected mosquitoes," said Dr. Al DeMaria, State Epidemiologist. "While people are outside during this unusually long stretch of warm weather for September, they need to take the time to apply repellent or put on a long-sleeved shirt. It's also important to consider that the mosquitoes of concern are more active between dusk and dawn. Consider rescheduling your outdoor activities to avoid those peak hours."
Officials said people are most likely to contract West Nile Virus in September. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for serious diseases.
