Middlesex County Resident Diagnosed With West Nile Virus

BOSTON (CBS) – A Middlesex County resident has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the first case in Massachusetts this year.

The patient, who was not identified, is in their 70s.

The Department of Public Health said the patient remains hospitalized.

There were 10 human cases on West Nile virus in Massachusetts in 2015.

"This is peak season in Massachusetts for possible West Nile virus infection in humans," said DPH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown. "The high temperatures and drought conditions that we've seen are resulting in elevated populations of the type of mosquitoes that are most likely to spread WNV."

Brown offered tips for avoiding West Nile virus.

"That's why it is more important than ever to take steps to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents, covering up to reduce exposed skin, dumping standing water around the house and moving indoors at dusk when mosquito activity reaches its peak," said Brown.