Through Sept. 5, 37 state have reported human West Nile virus (WNV) cases in 2017. Now we can add two more as two northeastern states report their first cases of the year.

Image/francok35
Image/francok35

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Friday that a resident of New Haven has tested positive for WNV infection.

The patient, between 50-59 years of age, became ill during the last week of August. The patient was hospitalized with high fever, dehydration and confusion. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV in the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid.

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“The identification of a Connecticut resident with West Nile virus associated illness that required hospitalization underscores the potential seriousness of the infection,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino.

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Massachusetts health officials also reported the first human case of the year in a 50-something patient from Bristol County who remains hospitalized.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)  is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine where the individual was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes.

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“This patient would have been bitten by an infected mosquito in early to mid-August which is the beginning of the peak season for possible West Nile virus human infections,” said DPH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown.

Overall, 526 cases of West Nile virus disease in people have been reported to CDC. Of these, 303 (58%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 223 (42%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

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