More West Nile Cases Reported In Massachusetts

Massachusetts health officials say the state's fourth case of West Nile virus has been confirmed and there are six more probable cases.

The Department of Public Health said Wednesday the latest confirmed patient is a Newton woman in her 50s who was briefly hospitalized and is recovering. Four likely new cases have been reported in Middlesex County, and one each in Essex and Hampden counties.

There have been two West Nile cases in Middlesex County this summer and one in Berkshire County. Last year, there were six human cases in Massachusetts. The health department is urging people to take precautions against mosquito bites including avoiding nighttime outdoor activities and using insect repellent and protective clothing. Mosquitoes infected with West Nile have been found in 93 communities in nine counties this year.

[Via AP]