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BOSTON (AP) — State public health officials say a second human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Massachusetts this year.
The state Public Health Department says a man in his 40s likely contracted the disease in the Springfield area. No home town was announced. The man did not require hospitalization.
This finding raises the West Nile threat level to "moderate" in Agawam, Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield.
West Nile was confirmed in a Middlesex County man last month.
Last year, there were six confirmed human cases in Massachusetts.
Most people who contract the disease show no symptoms, but it can lead to fever and flu-like symptoms.
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
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