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State Health Officials Identify First Human Case Of West Nile This Year

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported this year's first human case of West Nile virus on Friday.

Officials say the person infected is a man in his 50s. He likely contracted the virus in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County.

The risk of human infection with West Nile virus in Massachusetts is considered "generally low" at this time, according to state health officials.

Most people who are infected with West Nile will have no symptoms, but those with symptoms tend to experience fever and flu-like illness.

Earlier this week, state public health officials confirmed the first human case this year of another mosquito-borne illness: Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE. The disease can cause brain damage, and kills over a third of those who contract it.

Health officials are reminding people to protect themselves against mosquitos by wearing bug repellant and long clothing.

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