Second human case of West Nile virus identified in Massachusetts

Massachusetts health officials on Monday announced the state's second human case of West Nile virus this year. The new patient was identified as a man in his 60s who was exposed in Middlesex County. That follows last week's announcement about a man in his 90s who also contracted the virus in Middlesex County. Citing these cases and the findings of the virus in mosquito samples, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said the risk level for the virus was elevated to high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown. "We are currently in peak season for WNV in mosquitoes, and the risk for many across Massachusetts is high," Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a statement. "Those who are older or have compromised immune systems are especially at risk.