A woman in her 70s is the first person to be diagnosed with West Nile Virus in Massachusetts this year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday.

Authorities said the woman was exposed to the disease in Middlesex County.

What is West Nile Virus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control , West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness can affect the central nervous system or result in hospitalization 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 Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "While September brings cooler air and the return to school for many in the state, the

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