BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts health officials say two more human cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus have been confirmed, bringing the season total to 22.
The Department of Public Health said Tuesday the new cases are a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s, both recovering. Both are from the greater Boston area.
One person has died of West Nile this year. Last year there were six human cases.
People are urged to continue precautions until the first hard frost. West Nile mosquitoes have been found in 109 communities in 9 counties, and the state is on track to have more infected mosquitoes since the illness was first seen here in 2000. Officials say a mild winter and warm spring may be to blame.
Many states have had an increase in West Nile cases this year.