Mass. Health Officials Find Third Case Of West Nile Virus

Massachusetts public health officials say a third human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed.

A male resident of Suffolk County in his 40s likely contracted the virus in the Suffolk County area. The state Department of Public Health said Thursday the unidentified man was hospitalized.

Public health officials said West Nile virus threat levels have not been changed as a result of the finding.

State public health veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown said even with the approach of cooler temperatures, Massachusetts is still in peak season for possible West Nile virus infection among humans.

Six human cases of West Nile virus infection were identified in Massachusetts last year. It's usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.