Officials: Norfolk County man is 2nd West Nile case in Massachusetts this year

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts public health officials have confirmed that a Norfolk County man is the second person to contract West Nile virus in the state this year.

The Department of Public Health said the man in his 70s remains hospitalized but is “improving.” Officials are working to determine where he was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes. The results will determine whether the state changes its risk areas.

The season’s first case was a Middlesex County woman in her 70s. It was confirmed in August.

State Public Health Veterinarian Catherine Brown says the West Nile season is still in its peak time and that surveillance still indicates the presence of infected mosquitoes.

Ten human cases of West Nile virus infection were identified in the state last year.