The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday raised
the threat level for West Nile Virus in Boston to high. West
Nile has been found in several Boston neighborhoods at least
five separate times this summer, although there have been no
confirmed cases in the South End. The move comes after a
Cambridge man in his 70s was confirmed to have West Nile Virus,
according to an announcement from the public health department.
He represents the second confirmed human case of West Nile Virus
in the state this year. The first case, confirmed on Aug. 15,
was also discovered in a Cambridge resident, according to the
announcement. The most recent West Nile Virus patient is
currently hospitalized, the announcement says. The Department of
Public Health has also raised the threat level to high in
Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, Brookline and
Watertown. A "high" threat level means multiple cases are very
likely, according to Boston.com. "Today's announcement is a
compelling indicator that the threat of mo