The first human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this season has been reported, health officials announced Tuesday.

The patient is a woman in her 70s, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. She was exposed in Middlesex County.

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West Nile virus is typically spread to humans through a mosquito bite. Most people who are infected will not experience serious symptoms, but in some cases patients may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare cases, it can cause serious symptoms or death.

“West Nile virus can be a very serious disease and its presence in mosquitoes remains high right now in Massachusetts,” said Public Health Commissi

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