The number of West Nile virus cases in Massachusetts this year doubled on Friday as public health officials announced two more.
Risk levels for the mosquito-borne virus are high in 28 communities in the state, including Boston, Newton, Framingham and Lowell, according to the Department of Public Health. Scores more are at moderate risk for the virus, which can in serious cases cause swelling in the brain or around the spinal cord.
The state’s first human West Nile case of the year was reported on Tuesday.
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The newest cases involve a man in his 40s, believed to have contracted the virus in Hampden County, and a man in his 80s exposed in Middlesex County, the Department of Public Health said. A spokeswoman for Framingham confirmed that the latter case involved a man from the city.
“We are encouraging everyone to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin, and to drain anything that may be collecting water outside your home,” said Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner, in a statement.
The Natick Health Department alerted community members Friday that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health had categorized the town as a high risk for the virus, advising that town-wide outdoor activities should end by 7 p.m.
School officials said that Friday night’s Natick High School football game against Newton North High School had been rescheduled to 10 a.m. Saturday.
“We understand that this is a disappointing situation but we are keeping the health and safety of our students and community as our leading priority,” a school spokesperson said in a statement.
After two cases of West Nile virus were reported in the Boston area, some schools are taking more care around afterschool programs.
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