A Massachusetts man has contracted West Nile virus in the first human case of the illness this year, health officials confirmed Thursday.
The patient and his exact location have not been identified, but the Massachusetts Department of Public Health says he is a resident of Middlesex County and is in his 40s.
As of Thursday afternoon, the man remained hospitalized.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. Last year, health officials say, six people were infected by the virus.
While anyone can be infected, people over the age of 50 face a greater risk of severe disease.
The DPH urges people to protect themselves, their homes and their animals. Click here for more on how to keep safe from mosquito-borne illnesses.
