BOSTON (AP) – Public health officials on Friday confirmed the second human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year, in an 82-year-old man from Webster who is hospitalized in serious condition.

The mosquito-borne illness was diagnosed last week in an 83-year-old Arlington woman who also was hospitalized in serious condition. The Webster man’s name was not released. His symptoms began Sept. 5.

Last year, six people in Massachusetts were diagnosed with West Nile virus, resulting in one death.

The risk of West Nile virus and another mosquito-borne disease, eastern equine encephalitis, will continue until the first hard frost.

, according to the state Department of Public Health.

Nine-year-old John Fontaine of Middleborough died last month from “Triple-E.” Two other people – a 52-year-old woman from Lakeville and a 23-year-old man from Acushnet – have contracted the virus this year.

State health officials suggest reducing exposure to mosquitoes by draining standing water, installing or repairing screens and avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours.

Officials suggest wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. They advise using insect repellent and reporting dead birds to the Department of Public Health.