First human West Nile virus death recorded

WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts Health Officials have recorded the first human death from West Nile Virus since 2005.

State health officials say a Worcester man has died of West Nile virus. It's the state's second death from a mosquito-borne illness this summer.

The Department of Public Health said the man in his 60s also had "severe underlying medical conditions" when diagnosed last month.

Officials said Thursday another older Worcester County man died of Eastern equine encephalitis last month.

People are taking steps to protect themselves. Lewis Renaud of Ludlow told 22News, "Me, I just basically...when the sun goes down, I sit in the house and try to keep the screens down. You know, stay away from all the bugs."

The DPH has now raised the threat level in every Massachusetts city and town to "Moderate" unless already designated at a higher level.

They're also reminding residents everywhere to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites.