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Mass. officials report third human case of West Nile Virus

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – Massachusetts health officials on Friday announced the third human case of West Nile Virus in the state this year.

The woman, who is in her 60s, is a resident of Suffolk County. She was hospitalized, but has been discharged. Testing was completed at the Hinton State Laboratory Institute, officials said.

The epidemiological investigation conducted by DPH indicates that the patient was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes in Suffolk County. This area is already considered to be at moderate risk from WNV.  Moderate risk areas may have a single animal or human case; multiple cases from an area would indicate that risk from WNV is high.

West Nile in most adults produces mild flu-like symptoms or none at all.

Those over 50 are at higher risk of illness.