Friday, September 7, 2012
A Worcester resident in his 60s with severe underlying medical conditions was diagnosed with WNV in mid-August and has since died of the illness.
The first death of a Massachusetts resident due to West Nile Virus (WNV) since 2005 and additional human cases have led state officials to raise the threat level statewide to at least 'moderate." A Worcester resident in his 60s with severe underlying medical conditions was diagnosed with WNV in mid-August and has since died of the illness, the state Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Friday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this gentleman during this difficult time," Worcester Division of Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Michael Hirsh said in a DPH press release. "While we have been fortunate that we have seen a very low number of human West Nile cases, on rare occasion WNV can be very serious. …
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
West Nile Virus-infected mosquitoes have been found in 67 communities from nine counties so far during 2012, including Wakefield. Find out what the symptoms are and learn preventative tips.
Two more human cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed by the state, including an unidentified Cambridge man in his 70s who is the second person in Middlesex County to be infected this year, as federal health officials announced on Wednesday a 40 percent spike in West Nile cases since last week. The Cambridge man remained hospitalized as of last week, according to a state Department of Health (DPH) press release. The third case was a woman in her 70s in Berkshire County, who was also hospitalized and was expected to be released soon. "The announcement is a compelling indicator that the threat of mosquito-borne illness is widespread, and people should continue taking simple, common-sense steps to protect themselves and their families …
Friday, August 24, 2012
Dept. of Public Health informed town of positive finding in mosquito sample on Thursday.
The Wakefield Health Department announced Thursday afternoon that West Nile Virus has been isolated from mosquitoes in the town. The Mass. Department of Public Health informed the town of the news earlier in the day. “This news, along with the mosquitoes which tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Reading and Lynnfield should serve as a warning that mosquitoes pose a health threat between now and the first hard frost,” said a statement from the Health Department. “ Although the chances of acquiring mosquito borne diseases such as WNV or EEE are remote, residents should be aware that these mosquito-borne viruses could cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis. Early symptoms of these diseases include fever, headache, stiff …
