Mass. man hospitalized with West Nile

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP/WPRI) -- Massachusetts health officials say a Cambridge resident in his 70s has been hospitalized with the state's second human case of West Nile virus this year.
   
Thursday's announcement came just over a week after another Cambridge man, in his 60s, was reported with the first case of West Nile Virus.
   
The Department of Public Health raised the threat level "high" in Cambridge and nearby communities of Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Somerville and Watertown.
   
Department of Public Health John Auerbach says the development is a compelling indicator that the threat of mosquito-borne illness is widespread.

Meanwhile, health officials say a mosquito in Blackstone tested positive for West Nile Virus. Spraying in that area has been scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday to help reduce mosquito populations.

Health officials recommend using insect repellent and draining standing water, where mosquitoes breed.
   
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most infected people show no symptoms. But one in 150 patients becomes sick with symptoms that can include paralysis and coma.